The great British culture revolution is well and truly underway! At least 398 towns from across the UK are vying for the coveted title of UK Town of Culture, with over 400 hopefuls throwing their hat into the ring. And yesterday, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy got up close and personal with some of these vibrant communities at Liverpool's Museum, where a stunning digital exhibition showcased the diversity of submissions.
The competition, launched last year, is all about putting the spotlight on the unsung cultural heroes of our nation – those towns that often fly under the radar in national narratives. And judging by the sheer number of applications, it's clear this initiative has struck a chord with communities nationwide. Nandy was joined at the Museum by Sir Phil Redmond, chair of the independent judging panel, and together they got a glimpse into the incredible diversity of cultural aspirations on display.
Speaking with passion and conviction, Nandy acknowledged that for too long, these towns have felt overlooked in our national story. "For far too long, towns across the UK have felt left out," she declared. The competition aims to change this by shining a light on the substantial contributions these towns make to our national life – and it's clear from the entries that they're already feeling proud to be part of this exciting initiative.
Redmond was equally effusive, praising the "incredible" volume of entries and highlighting the importance of preserving the postcards and bids in a national archive for future generations. This is no ordinary competition – it's about fostering pride across Britain, encouraging local investment, and making the arts more accessible to all.
The winning town will host a season of culture in 2028, with the aim of delivering a lasting legacy that mirrors the success seen by previous UK City of Culture winners like Derry-Londonderry. And Laura Pye, Director of National Museums Liverpool, was delighted to welcome Nandy to her city's Museum, pointing out that it stands as a testament to the enduring benefits of cultural investment – from infrastructure to community confidence and opportunity.
Source: Department for Culture, Media and Sport