DERBY experts have hit out over claims that the city is among the “least cultural” places in Britain.

The city was ranked fifth in a list of the least cultural towns and cities with more than 50,000 residents.

All 50 cities were placed according to the number of museums and fine-dining restaurants per 100,000 people, as well as venues including theatres and grade one listed buildings.

Only Chelmsford, Plymouth, St Albans and Leeds were listed worse than Derby in the ranking, which was analysed by a team at the Manchester Evening News.

But Adam Buss, chief executive of Derby’s Quad, has defended the city, praising its diversity and range of events.

He said: “Without seeing the full data analysis model it is difficult to comment on the validity of the study.

“All I can comment on is how diverse and impactful the cultural life of Derby is, from the small independent artists and cultural practitioners to the large-scale buildings and events that happen in the city.”

The study claims that Oxford is the most cultural place in Britain, followed by Cambridge, while Norwich came in at third place.

Chelmsford was ranked the least cultural city in Britain with a population over 50,000, while London was placed 33rd.

Adam Buss said the survey had failed to spot what made Derby an “incredibly rich and culturally diverse” city.

He added: “We have events and activities that don’t happen anywhere else, from the Departure Lounge festival at Derby Theatre, the Format International Photography Festival here at Quad and partner venues, the Folk Festival which happened last weekend and Festé which only happens because of the rich cultural infrastructure in place in Derby.

“But in reality it is the audience and the people of the cities referenced that make the cultural life of a city and that can’t be measured purely on numbers.

“That is where Derby is and always will be incredibly rich and culturally diverse. Quad exists and is successful because of the people of Derby and this study seems to ignore what makes Derby great – the people.”

Tony Butler, director of Derby Museums Trust, said the survey should be “taken with a pinch of salt”.

He said: “Derby is a great cultural city with a lot going off. The beauty of Derby is that everything is within a five-minute walking distance. You don’t have to trek very far from the museum to get to the theatre.

“These sorts of surveys are often based on population. Every city is different and has evolved in different ways.”

Sarah Brigham, artistic director at Derby Theatre, also scorned the survey, saying Derby had a cultural heritage worthy of being celebrated.

She said: “This poll is clearly written by someone who hasn’t visited Derby recently.

“Derby is one of the few cities with all art forms covered: Quad lead the way with Visual Arts and film, including the internationally recognised Format Festival; we have an innovative dance house in Déda, where you can not only take part in weekly classes but also see cutting- edge contemporary work; the East Midlands Orchestra, Sinfonia ViVA, is based in Derby and not only performs in the largest free open-air classical concert in the UK but also works in schools across the city and beyond; and we have Derby Theatre – which has risen phoenix-like to be a leading professional producing theatre and one which trains the next generation of actors, directors and other types of artists.

“Add to this the recent Derby Folk Festival, the world heritage site of the Silk Mill, the Derby Caribbean Carnival, Festé and the small, but perfectly formed, Guildhall – plus all the independent artists, companies and creatives – and I’m sure you will agree that it’s a time to celebrate Derby’s vibrant cultural life.”

Alan Grimadell, chairman of Derby Civic Society, went as far as to say the results were “ridiculous”.

He said: “I’m amazed. I think the survey is flawed. Derby has the best festivals and restaurants, hence Derby’s Food and Drink Awards, as well as top hotels.

“We also have some of the best history full of interesting individuals from Joseph Wright and Joseph Pickford to John Whitehurst. We have the Velodrome being opened. Derby should be among the top five most cultural cities, not the least.”