The odds are stacked against Brighton and Hove in its bid to become European Capital of Culture.

Ranged against it are some of the biggest cities in the UK such as Belfast, Newcastle, Liverpool, Birmingham and Cardiff.

It will be an amazing achievement even if Brighton and Hove makes tomorrow's shortlist.

Doing that would be a huge boost for a city that, until recently, was two separate seaside towns.

If Brighton and Hove does not win, at least the city can say it had wonderful fun trying.

There have been big shows, small shows, wacky events and fantastic fireworks, which hundreds of thousands of people have enjoyed.

And the people who moaned about the city council's contribution should know that figure was trebled through sponsorship and grants.