THE nation will vote tonight on whether Birmingham's bid for European City of Culture, which includes events like Worcester's Three Choirs Festival, should beat competition from cities such as Liverpool, Cardiff and Newcastle.

Clash of the Cities, screened tonight on BBC1, will feature videos from all the cities in the running and will be followed by a phone and internet poll to decide who should win.

Organisers behind Birmingham's bid say Worcestershire businesses and tourist attractions would benefit if the Midlands city wins.

Former US President Bill Clinton, and Staffordshire-born writer and actor Meera Syal , will front Birmingham's video.

In the video Syal describes the West Midlands as "the most diverse region in the country".

"But the West Midlands inspired me, and it inspires million of others."

Sir Paul McCartney is fronting Liverpool's bid video, and actor and singer Robson Green will front Newcastle's bid.

But the final decision will be made by Tony Blair based on evidence of a panel of judges, and the capital of culture will be announced in six week's time.

To vote got to www.bbc.co.uk/capitalofculture or call 09011 903040.