We are disappointed - Chorley Council on missing out on this year's Town of Culture bid
The official shortlist for Town of Culture 2028 was announced on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for Chorley Council has spoken of their disappointment on missing out on this year's Town of Culture bid.
The UK Town of Culture competition is part of the government’s ambition to restore pride in local areas in every part of Britain and deliver a decade of national renewal, following the announcement of the Pride in Place Programme last year.
The official shortlist for Town of Culture 2028 was announced on Wednesday and, sadly neither Chorley or South Ribble were on it.
Fifteen towns have been shortlisted to become the UK's first Town of Culture, after nearly 400 places from across the country entered the landmark competition.
The first ever UK Town of Culture competition was launched last year with Chorley making the shortlist. The much loved town is renowned for many things including the coveted markets which people travel far and wide to visit.
A spokesperson for Chorley Council said: “While Chorley wasn't selected this time, we're incredibly proud of how our borough came together to showcase everything that makes our place so special.
“Chorley has an incredible story to tell. From our rich heritage and historic attractions to independent businesses such as Ebb & Flo Bookshop, Chorley Theatre, award-winning events, museums and beautiful green spaces, we truly offer the very best of Lancashire in one place.
“Of course, we're disappointed, but this is far from the end of the journey. It won’t stop us moving forward with our plans for culture, events and tourism in Chorley.”
A spokesperson for South Ribble Borough Council added: “We've got so much to look forward to, from implementing our new Culture Strategy and supporting the recently launched South Ribble Creatives group, to growing exciting events such as Behind the Wall and Park Life.
“We're also investing in local creativity through our new Cultural Events Grant Fund.
This may not be the result we hoped for, but we're more committed than ever to celebrating culture, supporting our creative communities, and creating opportunities for residents and visitors alike.The future of culture in South Ribble is bright – watch this space!”
The shortlisted towns competing are:
- Small towns: Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, and Stockton Town Centre Ward.
- Medium towns: Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, and Port Talbot.
- Large towns: Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham.