NEWPORT has fallen at the first hurdle in its bid to become the next UK City of Culture.

Earlier this year, it was announced that the city was putting together a bid to be awarded city of culture status in 2025.

The winning city is set to receive millions of pounds in funding, to be spent on arts, culture, and regeneration.

Despite some misconceptions, the title is not awarded to the city with the 'most' culture.

Instead, it goes to locations where the money can be most effectively used – as part of large scale transformative projects.

  • We want to hear why you love Newport. Click here to tell us a bit about yourself and what you like the most about our city, and we’ll share it with our readers.

Earning City of Culture status put Hull on the map in 2017, and there is a great cause of optimism in current hope city Coventry that their year in the spotlight will do the same.

But, while Newport hoped to achieve similar levels of success, it was announced earlier this week that the city had not made the longlist of hopeful cities.

A large number of cities, and regions, applied this year – and the field has been narrowed down to just eight.

And, of the five Welsh entrants, just one remains – Wrexham County Borough.

News of Newport’s bid coming to an end was met with a mixed response on social media.

Here at the Argus, we’ve asked our readers what should come next.

Below, you can check out their comments.

Read more local news here

Argus readers comment on Newport’s future

We asked our readers to tell us what Newport needs.

Check out the answers below.

Hayley Hayes said: “Newport needs people to change their mindsets to one of positivity, appreciate what they’ve got, and anticipate the changes and improvements that have already been set in motion.”

Hayley Bullock said: “Free parking. Reduced business rates to encourage more shops.”

Ceri Matthews said: “Drastically reduced business rates and a relief road.”

Jeremy Hall said: “Free parking, reduced business rates like Cwmbran, swimming pool in the heart of the city. High street regeneration. This would do for starters.”

Jo Barton said: “People to look for the positive.”

Sean Pybus said: “People to love their city.”

Ellen Ted Thomas said: “Free parking to encourage high street shoppers like Cwmbran. Lower business rates I would rather half of something that nothing. Free transport for teenagers during college/school hours.”

Sophie Woodward said: “A Chinese buffet.”

David Clements said: “A lot of investment.”

Mark Counsell said: “A relief road.”

Kevin Rickard said: “Free parking.”

Tracey Byron said: “Massive Primark in the old Debenhams.”

Roy Cridland said: “To build a dam lift the Usk and get more use of the river would be fantastic.”

Rebecca Jane White said: “Youths to be approached and given something for them to focus on like boxing. They do it at Alway but a lot of them don’t know about it. If it was funding then it would be free. They don’t know unless they’re approached. Will keep them from hanging around causing mischief.”

Craig Smith said: “A wider motorway or relief road. Reducing the speed limit has not worked, there is still congestion every day at Brynglas Tunnels. Walking along Caerleon Rd you can taste the pollution.”

Luca C C Anthony said: “A revamped town centre in terms of reviewing cost for parking, cost for rent, trying to get more shops in the town centre. Supporting more local businesses. A stadium and exclusive training centre for Newport County in addition to Newport stadium and Rodney parade. More 3G surfaces on offer. A bigger push on electric buses and public service vehicles. A more focused approach on recycling. More public services such as play clubs and youth clubs. A relief road.”