Forget the footie, we want culture

We may love football and holidays in Faliraki but Britons also long for the subtler pleasures afford by High Culture, a report claimed yesterday.

Two-thirds of us enjoy cultural activities, such as visiting museums, concerts and the theatre, twice a month.

Contrary to stereotypes, young people lead the way. Four out of ten 18 to 24-year-olds regularly take in galleries and exhibitions - higher than the national average.

Almost all of us - 97 per cent - want more culture in our lives. But we are held back by a lack of time and money.

VisitBritain, which commissioned the research, said it was surprised by the findings. 'A lot of the press say we are a nation of chavs,' said a spokesman.

'But actually we want more culture, young people in particular.'

The report comes as VisitBritain and Tourism Minister Richard Caborn launch a campaign, City Culture, to encourage people to enjoy city breaks in this country rather than travelling to Europe.

It is being supported by celebrities such as ballet dancer Darcy Bussell and Oscar winning film-maker Lord Puttnam.