Melton Mowbray competes to become UK's first 'Town of Culture'
Melton Mowbray is bidding to become the UK’s first ‘Town of Culture’ which would net millions of pounds in prize funding.
It is one of three Leicestershire towns – the others are Coalville, Ashby and Hinckley- to say they will enter the 2028 competition, which aims to boost pride in local communities.
The winning town will receive £3M to deliver a year-long cultural programme, while shortlisted areas are expected to be awarded £60,000 to help develop their final bid.
Melton Borough Council has confirmed Melton Mowbray will be put forward, with officers pointing to the town’s food heritage and regeneration projects.
Lydia Rusling, director of place and prosperity at the borough council, said: “Melton Mowbray is an ideal candidate for the Town of Culture.
“As the nationally recognised Rural Capital of Food and Drink, we are home to iconic protected products like the Melton Mowbray pork pie and Stilton cheese.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Melton to bring to life its history through cultural events, support its creative industry and engage with our communities.”
Support for a bid from Coalville and Ashby-de-la-Zouch was raised in Parliament last week by Amanda Hack, MP for North West Leicestershire.
Speaking during a Commons debate last week, she said: “This competition will be really important for our towns, and I will encourage my district council and others to consider how we get this amazing opportunity for growth and investment into my towns in North West Leicestershire.”
Entrants will be assessed by their cultural identity, along with their plans for a cultural programme and their ability to deliver them.
Stuart Bray, leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, also promised to team up with local businesses in an effort to present the best of his area.
He said: “[We] really welcome this move. Our town has so much to offer and [we] can confirm Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council will be making a bid.”
Towns interested in competing in the UK Town of Culture 2028 competition have until late March to apply to it, with a shortlist of towns expected to be announced later this spring.