City of Culture bid plans underway in Lancashire

Lancashire could be putting together a City of Culture bid, it has been revealed.
The Lancashire Encounter arts festival in PrestonThe Lancashire Encounter arts festival in Preston
The Lancashire Encounter arts festival in Preston

Bosses at Marketing Lancashire have revealed that they are in the early stages of putting a big for the title UK City of Culture - which can bring in a major economic boost for the winning city.

As the bid is in the early stages, they say it could focus either on one Lancashire city or be a county-wide bid.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Rachel McQueen, chief executive of Marketing Lancashire, told the BBC they had worked closely "with cultural organisations across the county to develop a cultural narrative that brings to life the wealth of artistic and creative projects, organisations and venues that we have".

She added: "We're exploring all kinds of opportunities that could provide a bigger platform for our cultural partners, including UK City of Culture."

The City of Culture title brings with it increased profile and investment for the winning city - and has seen last year's winner Hull staging several national exhibitions including the Turner Prize.

The bid will aim to showcase the county's thriving arts scene.

Read More
Suffragette play is just the beginning for Preston's buzzing arts scene
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The idea of nominating a UK City of Culture came when the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport wanted to build on the success of Liverpool's year as a European Capital of Culture in 2008.

Derry/Londonderry was the first in 2013, Hull was the second in 2017 and Coventry will be next in 2021.