More than 400 towns have applied to become the first UK Town of Culture, with judges now preparing to draw up a shortlist for the new competition. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said it had received 398 bids representing more than 400 towns across the UK.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy visited the Museum of Liverpool on Thursday 2 July to view a digital display of postcards submitted by towns taking part in the competition. Every bidding town had been invited to send a postcard promoting its bid and expressing local pride.
The display was shown at the Museum of Liverpool before the postcards are added to National Museums Liverpool’s national collection. The Government said the collection would recognise what it described as a significant cultural moment for towns across the UK.
Nandy visited the museum with Sir Phil Redmond, chair of the independent panel judging the bids. The shortlist for the competition is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The competition was launched last year as part of the Government’s wider cultural programme. Ministers said it was intended to highlight the contribution of towns to national life and encourage cultural participation, local investment and civic pride.
Nandy said towns had felt left out of the national story for too long. She said the postcard display showed the local pride already present in towns across the country and that each bidding town should be proud of its work in championing its community.
Redmond said the number of entries was “incredible” and reflected the strength of pride in local communities. He said the postcards and initial bids would form part of a national archive for future generations.
The winner of the UK Town of Culture competition will host a season of cultural events in 2028. The Government said the aim was to create a long-lasting legacy of participation and pride, similar to the impact sought through the UK City of Culture programme.