Melton Mowbray fails in bid for UK Town of Culture status
Melton Mowbray has missed out on being shortlisted to become a UK Town of Culture and the potential of receiving £3M to invest into the town
Its bid was led by the Melton Place Partnership, supported by Melton Borough Council, and included partners Melton Mowbray Town Estate, Melton BID, Melton Livestock Market, local education providers and cultural organisations.
It focussed on the town’s rich food and drink heritage and the influence of cultural organisations on the community, with contributions from Belvoir Big Band, The Melton Musical Theatre Company, Kick Up The Arts, Culture Club, Melton Band, Burrough Jazz, U3A, the 1940s Weekend team, the Stockyard and Melton Gig Guide, along with many others.
Melton was competing in the ‘medium towns’ category along with fellow Leicestershire towns Loughborough, Hinckley, Market Harborough and Coalville but judges shortlisted Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, and Port Talbot.
Councillor Don Pritchett, portfolio holder for planning policy, economic growth and town centre, commented: "While we are naturally disappointed that Melton Mowbray has not been shortlisted for UK Town of Culture 2028, the process of developing our Expression of Interest has been hugely valuable and highlighted the strength, creativity and passion that already exists across our borough.
"The bid brought together cultural organisations, community groups, businesses, creatives and volunteers to explore what culture means to Melton Mowbray and how we can continue to celebrate the unique stories, traditions and experiences that define our town.
"Through this work we developed the concept of Melton Mowbray as the Nation's Dining Table, recognising not only our world-famous food heritage, but also the people, places, creativity and community spirit that make our borough special.
"The concept of the Nation's Dining Table was intended to reflect far more than food and drink.
"It was designed as a way of bringing together Melton's heritage, creativity, arts, music, culture, landscapes, communities and rural innovation under a single story that celebrates the people and places that make Melton unique.
"The bid highlighted the breadth of cultural activity taking place across the borough and sought to connect these strengths through a shared vision for the future."
The borough council say the process of pulling together the bid was valuable and it would continue to celebrate what the town has to offer.
Councillor Pritchett added: "While we were not successful on this occasion, the process has reinforced our belief that Melton's cultural identity is built on much more than one theme.
"From heritage and arts to community events, music, performance, creativity, food, landscape and rural innovation, there is a wealth of activity taking place across the borough, and we remain committed to supporting and celebrating it.”
Fifteen towns have been shortlisted to become the UK's first Town of Culture, after nearly 400 places from across the country entered the landmark competition.
Those shortlisted will now receive £60k to help develop their final bid.
One finalist will then be selected from each category – small, medium and large towns – with the overall winner being announced early next year.