Yorkshire areas bid to become Town of Culture with £3m in funding

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the City of Culture project, which included Bradford last year, has had a “transformative power”.

The Wigan MP explained that she wanted “to make sure that towns have the same opportunity to make a real difference to their local community”.

Three towns will be shortlisted - a small, medium and large conurbation - so there are opportunities for places all the way from Rotherham to Richmond.

Calderdale Council has confirmed it will be applying for Halifax to become UK Town of the Year, which hopes will strengthen the theme of “CultureDale”.

Coun Jane Scullion, council leader, said she was “really excited” to apply, before adding: “Culture is a huge part of Calderdale’s story. It centres around our rich history, amazing landscapes, incredible people, creativity, entrepreneurship, talent, diversity and iconic venues like The Piece Hall, Halifax Borough Market, the Victoria Theatre and Dean Clough – all the things that make our borough so special and unique.

“Culture is a real source of pride for our local people and helps to keep our place on the national and international map, with a rapidly growing reputation as the place to be for music, filming and heritage.”

Labour MP Kate Dearden told The Yorkshire Post that she had been “calling for Halifax to be included in the UK Town of Culture competition at every stage, so I'm delighted that Calderdale Council are taking up this opportunity”.

“From our rich industrial history to our thriving cultural scene, we have so much to shout about and our inclusion in this competition will only help further cement our place on the national stage, and bring visitors, investment and opportunity to our town,” she said.

Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume urged North Yorkshire Council to consider applying for one of her coastal towns.

Ms Hume said: “It’s my hope we can submit an unstoppable joint bid, but if that isn’t possible, I will be backing the bid which has the best potential for delivering an unforgettable programme which will draw thousands of visitors to our cultural and creative coast.”

Coun Simon Myers, executive member for culture, commented: “North Yorkshire is a county filled with vibrant towns that are rich in culture, each with their own proud history and traditions.

“We will carefully consider the competition’s criteria before deciding whether to submit an expression of interest before the deadline.”

Recent research from Onward found that people living in Yorkshire towns were more likely to feel left behind compared with their city neighbours.

Ms Nandy said: “There is so much for us to be proud of in the towns we’re from - from the rich, local history to unique festivals and celebrations.

“They have shaped our national story for decades. Now it’s time they take centre stage and showcase the unique stories they have to tell.”

Towns across Yorkshire will have 11 weeks to apply, showing how they would showcase local voices through arts venues, performances and workshops.

Sir Phil Redmond, the screenwriter of Grange Hill, Hollyoaks and Brookside, will lead an expert panel, which will shortlist a small, medium and large town.

Each of these will get £60,000 to deliver a full bid to try and win the title of UK Town of Culture 2028.

The winner will receive £3m and the two runners up will get £250,000 each to deliver parts of their bids.

Ms Nandy added: “We have seen the transformative power of culture through the UK City of Culture competition.

“I want to make sure that towns have the same opportunity to make a real difference to their local community and show the world exactly why their town is so special.”

Sir Phil said: “I am delighted to have been asked to chair the new Town of Culture competition, as in the past it has been hard to adequately demonstrate the depth, breadth and diversity of the UK’s cultural landscape through the UK City of Culture’s urban lens.”

While Yorkshire has won two of the four City of Culture titles, with Hull and Bradford, this will allow towns like Scarborough, Richmond and Halifax to show their unique qualities.

Sir Phil added: “The two competitions will complement each other while providing more opportunities for more places to both demonstrate and celebrate that creativity is not confined to the great urban concert halls, theatres or galleries.

“It is in everything we do together. In every town, village, neighbourhood, street or road.

“UK Town of Culture asks what makes your town special? What makes its people proud to be there? And why should that be celebrated?”

Last year, Bradford saw a 25 per cent increase in people visiting the city, with projected growth of £389m.

More than three million people watched the City of Culture programme, while four in five residents said it made them feel proud.

This project is run every four years, and the search for the 2029 City of Culture is underway - with the winner set to be awarded £10m.