The England 2018 World Cup committee yesterday confirmed that Bristol is amongst the top 12 cities selected to World Cup football and will go forward as part of England’s bid to FIFA in May.

Bristol Media members have played an active role in the bid’s preperation throughout the year, from initial brainstorms in the Spring to helping promote the initiative and getting the message out across the city.

Bristol’s successful bid highlighted the city’s fantastic cultural offerings and stunning locations for Fan Fest sites, positioned throughout the city and the surrounding areas as well as its plentiful hotel accommodation offer. The impressive plans for the new regional stadium and top-notch training sites have also greatly strengthened the positive impact for Bristol’s bid.

Bristol will now join a list of the England’s most successful footballing cities along side the likes of Liverpool and Manchester. Being a part of England’s national bid will offer the city a fantastic opportunity to be seen as one that can rival even the country’s most famous sporting cities.

Deputy Council Leader Simon Cook said: “This truly is wonderful news. Being granted candidate status will give us a unique opportunity to show off our beautiful city to the rest of the world. If England is successful in their bid to FIFA next year, we expect that hosting the competition in 2018 will have a huge impact on the local economy and could bring in excess of £250m to the sub-region. We will see a significant rise in employment through construction and hospitality and hosting the tournament will leave a lasting impact on the city with improved transport links and acclaimed international facilities.”

Bid Director Stephen Wray said: “The news is fantastic. We are delighted and proud to have been part of Bristol’s successful bid to host world class football. Bristol has so much to offer as a host city and we are all so pleased that the England 2018 has recognised Bristol’s strengths and selected us to represent the country’s bid. I would personally like to thank everyone who has supported the bid along the way and has helped to contribute to this momentous occasion for Bristol. Now we look forward to contributing to what we hope will be a successful England bid in 2010.”