Residents are being encouraged to enjoy themselves for free as part of a bid to turn a city into a cultural beacon.

They will be able to try out activities and enjoy new experiences to promote Brighton and Hove's European Capital Of Culture bid.

The scheme, called Try It For The First Time, has been launched by the where else campaign to win the title for 2008.

Under the scheme, residents have the chance to do things such as attend a football match, go to the Royal Pavilion, the racecourse or a theatre, or try a new sport.

The bill for tickets and tuition or any other costs associated with the activity up to £250 will be picked up by the campaign, funded by Brighton and Hove City Council and local businesses.

Try It For The First time is aimed at community groups, voluntary bodies, charities or any group of friends or residents who get together and decide to take part in an activity.

Any kind of interest can be included, from watching sport or theatre to visiting a heritage site or hiring a dance teacher to instruct a group.

The only qualification is the activity must take place in the Brighton and Hove area.

Groups must be made up of at least three people and have a group bank account.

Councillor Jackie Lythell, chairman of the where else executive, said: "We are paying people to enjoy themselves.

"This is a wonderful scheme which sums up what we are trying to achieve with the 2002 City of Culture programme.

"We see culture as anything which enhances your life. It's a genuine gift and I urge groups to take advantage of it."

There are three deadlines for applications for grants: April 29, July 1 and September 30.

Decisions on which applications will receive grants will be made by a team from the Where Else executive, consisting of public bodies, private companies and arts groups.

Plans are also being considered to offer all residents a series of vouchers to try activities for the first time in partnership with local sports and arts organisations.

It is hoped special offer coupons will be brought together in booklet form later in the year.

Businesses contributing to the cost of where else and Try It For The First Time include the Komedia, Brighton Dome, Brighton Racecourse, The Gardner Arts Centre, and the Theatre Royal.

For a grant application form, call 01273 292534.