Culture Bid Unsuccessful

Leigh News: Culture Bid Unsuccessful – LEIGH’s bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028 has proved unsuccessful.
The bid, which would have secured £3 million in funding, was one of 383 towns across the country who failed to be shortlisted for the final 15 towns.
Despite the setback, those behind the bid, including Labour MP David Burton-Sampson and Leigh Town Council, said the application process had been beneficial in spotlighting the area’s strengths and community spirit, with a bid that highlighted Leigh’s varied cultural offer and ambition for cultural growth.
The MP for Leigh and Southend West said: “It is sad to hear that Leigh lost out on its Town of Culture bid.
“I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to put the bid together.
“I thought it was a fantastic offer, brilliantly put together by local residents working together and showing our community spirit.
“We already have a fantastic local cultural offer which we should celebrate, and I will continue to work with the local community to look at how we can bring alive some of the ideas we put forward as part of our bid.”
The funding from the bid could be used to support festivals, community events, art projects and wider cultural activity in the area.
Leigh Town Council released a statement on the news of the bid’s outcome, saying that the process would help springboard new and innovative ideas for the town.
They said: “While we weren’t successful in our bid for Town of Culture 2028, we’re incredibly proud of everything we achieved along the way.
“This doesn’t change what we already know – we are a fantastic town with so much to offer.
“We’re not disheartened. If anything, this has made us even more determined.
“So, keep your eyes peeled, because we’ll be back, bigger, better, and ready for whatever comes next!
“A huge thank you to everyone who got involved, supported us, shared our vision, and believed in what our town can achieve.
“This is only the beginning.”
In a letter to Leigh from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, a spokesman said the panel had been met with an “exceptionally strong and diverse range of applications.”
They continued: “Although you may be disappointed that your application has not been selected, we hope you will regard your participation as a part of a continuing journey rather than a single outcome. The work you and your communities have undertaken has value, and we encourage you to continue building on that work.”
Picture: Old Leigh
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