Scarborough residents have been invited to share their thoughts on a bid for the resort to be named the UK’s inaugural Town of Culture.
A new survey has been launched and will run until the end of March to gather Scarborough residents’ views on the resort’s bid to be the first Town of Culture.
The competition, announced by the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy last autumn, will provide a platform for communities to “tell their own unique story and shine a spotlight on the vital role towns play in our national life”.
The strongest bids will progress to a shortlist, with each shortlisted town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition.
Three finalists – one small, one medium, one large town – will be chosen. The winner will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive a £3 million prize.
The two runners-up will each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their bid, from refreshed community infrastructure to electric music festivals.
The Scarborough survey will be the “first of many opportunities to give your thoughts and contribute towards Scarborough’s entry”.
It can be accessed here https://www.hello-arcade.com/projects/townofculture and on Scarborough Town Council’s website.
A series of engagement events is also being planned, the town council said.
This week, Bridlington and Malton and Norton announced they would also be submitting bids.
Alison Hume, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, said:
“I’m delighted to see community consultations getting underway in Scarborough ahead of submitting a bid for Town of Culture.
“Scarborough has an irresistible story to tell as the birthplace of theatre in the round, the first English seaside resort and the home of an incredibly rich arts, heritage, music and cultural scene. I’m really excited about our chances.”
The deadline for expressions of interest for UK Town of Culture 2028 is March 31, with the shortlist of towns expected to be announced this Spring.
Town mayor Cllr Thomas Murray said:
“I’m fully behind Scarborough’s bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028.
“It’s a great opportunity to bring the community together and celebrate all the things that make Scarborough great, as well as showcase some of our cultural hidden gems.
“I hope everyone takes the opportunity to contribute via this survey.”
The competition builds on the success of the City of Culture contest, which has delivered “transformative benefits for its four winners”.
Bradford, last year’s title holder, is projected to benefit from £389 million in growth across the district, with city centre footfall up 25 per cent during its year in the spotlight.
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