REGIONAL FOCUS By Ged Henderson
Awards 2026
THE CULTURE CLUB
Towns across Lancashire are looking to take a cultured approach when it comes to revival and renewal.
From Burnley to St Annes, they have entered the national race to be crowned the UK’s first ever ‘Town of Culture’ – with the winner netting a £3m cash prize.
It is all part of the government’s bid to drive regeneration through culture, with the money on offer aimed at boosting local pride, skills and investment.
The Town of Culture idea has been inspired by the competition for cities which was launched in 2013. Since then, it has made a significant impact in communities such as Bradford – the 2025 holder of the ‘City of Culture’ title.
The programme the West Yorkshire city put together for its year is predicted to have generated an additional £136.9m in visitor spend to the local economy. More than 5,000 events were held during the 12 months.
There have been other large-scale benefits. Shanaz Gulzar, creative director of Bradford 2025, told a Great Northern Conference event in Doncaster: “This year has meant that the regeneration of the city centre, which would have normally taken about three to four years, has been delivered in 18 months.
“So having a major event means major infrastructure is actually put into place, and that long term plans have actually been delivered much faster.”
Then there is the legacy that is created and the momentum the title brings. The numbers
surrounding Hull’s 2017 year were impressive, including £219m of investment.
But beyond that there has been a lasting effect, with an ongoing rise in visitor numbers, culminating with the East Yorkshire city being named one of the top 25 global destinations to visit in 2026 by National Geographic in its Best of the World list.
Blackpool is eagerly hoping for more of the same. It has been longlisted by the government as the potential City of Culture 2029.
“Our diverse culture and entertainment offer means Blackpool has something for everybody, from all age groups and backgrounds. Being named as the City of Culture 2029 would showcase the talent and creativity that we already have on our doorstep, making all our residents proud of our bold, vibrant and cultural town.
“To top it all off, 2029 would mark the 150th anniversary of one of Britain’s first and most loved mass arts displays – the Blackpool Illuminations.” The lobbying has
This bid is about celebrating who we are,
recognising the creativity that already exists here, and creating new opportunities for our residents, businesses and young people
While Blackpool isn’t a city, its size and population and £2bn visitor economy make it eligible. The council will now receive a £60,000 grant towards creating a scalable bid, ahead of making a full application this summer.
If successful, Blackpool would receive £10m to host a year-long celebration of arts and culture for local people to enjoy, as well as increasing the tourism economy and creating new jobs.
It faces strong competition from Inverness- Highland, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Swindon and Wrexham.
But council leader Lynn Williams believes the resort’s offering is compelling. She said: “Blackpool is bursting with culture and variety.
already begun. Blackpool South MP Chris Webb met with the government’s culture secretary Lisa Nandy in April to highlight the town’s offer.
He said: “From our thriving grassroots music and arts scene and our LGBTQ+ community, to our world-class theatres and international dance festivals, and our unmatched heritage, Blackpool has always been a magnet for creativity and a home of vibrant cultural life.
“I can think of no better way of this government proving its commitment to turning the tide of decline in our seaside town than by recognising and investing in our rich and diverse culture that has survived and thrived against all odds.”
Continued on Page 50 LANCASHIREBUSINES SV
IEW.CO.UK
entering and nominating Find out more here
about sponsoring,
Venue: Park Hall Resort and Spa
Date: Friday
October 16 2026 Entries open soon
Sub36 is the platform for emerging business talent aged under 36
Image: VisitBlackpool
49
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
