Town of Culture competition is a chance to be proud of our towns again - Lisa Nandy
Too often, our national conversation about culture is narrow. We talk about it as if it belongs in a handful of big cities, behind famous doors and familiar postcodes. But culture isn’t something you experience on a weekend break. It’s something people grow up with and pass on, and in this country, it has always been shaped in our towns.
Since I announced the UK Town of Culture competition in October, I’ve been overwhelmed by the pride that people have shown in their towns. There’s a huge appetite to celebrate them.
Across the country, people recognise that every place has a story to tell. This competition will finally give our towns a powerful platform to tell their story, restore pride in their communities, and bring investment into their town centres.
Last year I was amongst the millions of people flocking to Bradford for their year as UK City of Culture. Seeing the stunning renovation of Bradford Live, the local talent at Loading Bay, and the prestigious Turner Prize at Cartwright Hall were powerful demonstrations of the wealth of talent and culture in that city. Bradford's year has massively boosted community pride, invested in young talent and supported tourism.
Bradford's moment as UK City of Culture was a triumph for a city that has always punched above its weight. From its pioneering film heritage to its vibrant South Asian arts scene, Bradford shows the world that culture thrives beyond London.
I want our towns to experience the benefits. Bradford’s city centre received a 25 per cent boost in footfall, putting money back in the high streets and back in the pockets of local businesses.
The cultural heartbeat of Yorkshire's towns lives in every cobbled street and community hall. From the brass bands that have united generations in Brighouse and Holmfirth, to the thriving arts scenes emerging in Hebden Bridge and Saltaire. Our theatres, galleries, and festivals bring people together, creating jobs and inspiring young people to dream bigger.
Yorkshire towns have given Britain textiles and steel, literature and music, grit and determination. Today, Yorkshire offers something to everyone. Whitby is world-renowned for its goth festival. Haworth welcomes fans of the Brontë sisters. Malton boasts a range of historic food markets. These are treasures we can and should be proud of.
But when I speak to young people, too many of them don’t know what an incredible legacy they are inheriting from their ancestors. Their great grandparents and beyond shaped the industrial revolution through their own toil, and built the Britain we have today. It’s time we recognise that legacy.
This competition is built on a simple principle: arts and culture must be for everyone. We're ensuring no barrier stands in the way of opportunity. That's why shortlisted towns will receive £60,000 to develop their full bids. No one should be left behind because they lack resources.
At the heart of this competition is the chance for communities to tell their own stories. The winning town will receive £3m to deliver a cultural programme drawing on the best of art, heritage and creative industries.
For too long, too many have felt left out of our national story. It’s time for our towns to feel renewed. The UK’s first Town of Culture competition is our chance to be proud again.
Lisa Nandy is the Culture Secretary.