Burnley set to bid to be first ever UK Town of Culture

Burnley looks set to submit a bid to become the first ever UK Town of Culture.

It joins Chorley as the only other place in Lancashire to have so far declared an intention to attempt to secure the new title in 2028 – a competition for which was launched by the government earlier this week.

Burnley Council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the crown – which comes with a £3m cash pot to fund a 12-month cultural programme – chimes with the authority’s aim of using culture “as a tool to tackle inequality”.   The town already has its own Year of Culture planned in 2027.

The government says the competition – which is open to towns of all sizes – will provide “a platform for communities across the country to tell their own unique story” and create “a lasting sense of pride” – as well as improving access to the arts.

Cllr Jack Launer, Burnley Council’s Executive member for housing, health and culture, said: “Culture already plays a huge role in the life of Burnley, driven by our communities, artists and grassroots organisations. 

“We’ve seen through Bradford’s designation as UK City of Culture 2025, and the national profile created by the Turner Prize, how culture can generate confidence, joy and long-term opportunity for a place. 

“I’d like to see us creating joy and attracting people to visit through a mixture of innovative performances and local collaborations. 

“Central to our vision is using culture as a tool to tackle inequality, helping put a dent in long-standing deprivation by widening opportunity, improving wellbeing and building pride in place. 

“A UK Town of Culture bid would allow us to back our creative people, strengthen our cultural infrastructure and set the foundations for an exciting future, making Burnley an incredible place to be a musician, creative artist or producer.”

Charlotte Steels, head of culture at Burnley Leisure and Culture, added:  “Burnley is ambitious about its future, and that’s why we’re keen to explore an application to become the UK’s first Town of Culture in 2028. 

“We’ve spent the past three years working closely with communities, artists and partners to shape Burnley 2027 Year of Culture as a catalyst for long-term change. 

“The new UK Town of Culture scheme feels like a natural progression that would amplify Burnley’s creative energy, allowing us to build on that work at a national level, using culture to drive social connection, skills development and sustainable economic growth.”

Expressions of an interest have to be submitted to the government by 31st March.   Veteran television producer Sir Phil Redmond – creator of Grange Hill, Brookside and Hollyoaks – will lead an expert panel, judging towns on the way they would tell their story and “bring everyone in a community together”.

The strongest proposals will then be shortlisted, with each one receiving £60k to help produce their full bids for the competition. Three finalists – one small, one medium, one large-sized town – will then be chosen to go head-to-head.

Elsewhere in East Lancashire, Pendle Council has told the LDRS that it will not be bidding for the prize for the three towns within its borders – Nelson, Colne and Barnoldwick – but has flagged the opportunity to the town councils for each place in case they wanted to do so.