Is Croydon worthy of becoming London's official Borough of Culture, and getting the £1million prize that comes with it?

Because Croydon Council certainly thinks it is, as well as a large chunk of the public.

The initiative, sponsored by London mayor Sadiq Khan, will see two winning boroughs (one for 2019 and one for 2020) each receive over £1m.

The title won’t go to a borough just because of their past cultural record though. Instead it will be awarded to those who show how they can best use the investment to enact real change.

If public opinion has any sway, Croydon is already way out ahead. Right now an online ITV poll asking viewers which borough they most think deserves the title has Croydon the clear leader, with 37 per cent of the overall London vote.

Councillor Tony Newman said: “2019 will be the first full year of the newly refurbished Fairfield Halls after we spend £30million bringing the venue back to life.

"It also marks 70 years of the London Mozart Players. There can’t be a better time for the cultural spotlight to shine on Croydon and this is a truly fantastic opportunity for arts organisations across the borough to share in this project.”

A further £500,000 is also expected to be handed to the top borough by backers including the Heritage Lottery fund and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, while council will also add £1million more should it win.