Residents are being invited to 'draw their borough' and express what the area they live in means to them to help Royal Greenwich be crowned London's Borough of Culture. People are also being urged to share their views on the bid by tweeting @Royal_Greenwich using #GreenwichMeans and #mylocalculture.

Calling on everyone in the borough

Events are being held at every corner of the borough to maximise the opportunity for people to get involved in shaping the bid. The Council has partnered up with internationally renowned Greenwich+Docklands Festivals to put together its entry into the contest run by London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

But it's vital that you - Greenwich residents, businesses and organisations from across the borough - get involved with the bid to put Royal Greenwich in the running for the £1.1m prize. This funding would allow the borough to run a show-stopping cultural programme.

Come along to one of these events

People will be able to talk to ambassadors for the bid at upcoming:

• Fun Palace art, music and dance activity events in Blackheath, Eltham and Greenwich
• free performance of Origami by Dance Umbrella
• Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair
• Better Together meetings for residents.

The vision is to showcase Greenwich's exceptional cultural offer including both its existing world class attractions and new work to bring creative arts organisations into the borough. A key aim is to ensure that the whole of the borough from Thamesmead to Eltham is recognised for its rich cultural offer.

'Why do you love where you live?'

Already residents young and old have shared their love and thoughts about the areas they live in for the bid. Opportunities for people to answer the question 'Why do you love where you live' were provided at both the Woolwich Carnival and at the Thamesmead Festival. Views expressed in Woolwich included praise for its 'friendly people', 'closeness to the river' and 'fabulous multi-cultural community'.

Over in Thamesmead, residents said they loved their area 'because it's cool', 'the people are great and the town is unique' and 'it has beautiful lakes and meadows'. Those taking part backed the bid by saying they would like to see more community events, activities and venues.

'Keen to hear about the hidden gems'

Councillor Denise Hyland, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: "We are urging everyone to come along to one of these exciting events to help us draw up our bid which must be submitted by 1 December.

"We really want people to share what they love about their area and its culture and what winning the bid would mean for them. We are keen to hear about the hidden gems across the borough and people's ideas for our bid."