The chair of the City of Culture judging panel has outlined what he is looking out for ahead of announcing the winner later this month. 

TV Producer, Sir Phil Redmond is the chair of the City of Culture 2025 judging panel and he and his team have been visiting the four finalists over the last few weeks. 

Today (Wednesday, May 11) the judging panel visited Wrexham, where the council and partners had the opportunity to showcase the best of Wrexham ahead of the announcement later this month. 

Coventry is the current holder, but their time as the City of Culture comes to an end at the end of May. 

READ MORE: Down to the final four - Wrexham makes shortlist to be UK City of Culture 2025

During his and his judges' visit to Wrexham, Sir Redmond told the Leader he had visited Ty Pawb, the Xplore! science centre and had even had a go on the zip line at the Venture. 

But when quizzed about what he and his fellow judges will be looking to see during their visits he had two main focuses. 

He said: "We're looking for an authentic voice from the place and the community. 

"We want to see the place and what it has to offer as well as chat to the community. 

"It's all about who will deliver really. It's a very big prize at the end of the day, close to £250-£300m, so we have to think where that will make the biggest impact. 

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"It's going to be a very tough decision as all the places are different but it will come down to a cultural decision. 

"We will have to consider all the criteria and judge on where is this really going to make a difference."

Sir Redmond admitted he felt Wrexham had an intriguing story and was impressed with what he's seen in the town, both on a professional and personal level. 

"Culture is about building aspirations and helping lift places," he said.

"Wrexham has a really good story, it's a crossroads between industrial and rural, the same with Wales and England. 

"The Xplore! centre is great, it's making science fun and introducing people and the community to that."

READ MORE: Wales legends lead new campaign to get international sport back at the Racecourse

With the current buzz around the football club in the town, Sir Redmond recognised that sport can have a part to play and enjoyed a sporting moment himself on his visit.

He added: "Sport is an interseting element in the bid and can play a part.

"I was struck today from a performance from the (Rhos) Male Voice Choir.

"As a scouser, I asked them if they could sing You'll Never Walk Alone, so to hear that was a pretty nice moment, but I think that was just a personal thing," he said laughingly.

All involved in the bid will be hoping Wrexham has been showcased to its best ahead of the final outcome later this month.