Making the case for City of Culture
Yesterday I met with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to discuss the exciting news that Blackpool has been long listed for City of Culture 2029 and made the case to her for why Blackpool is undoubtedly the best choice.
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.
2029 will also mark 150 years of Blackpool Illuminations and 135 years of both Blackpool Grand Theatre and, the jewel in our crown, Blackpool Tower. 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.
With Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy yesterday
While Blackpool isn’t a city, our size and population and £2bn visitor economy make us eligible for City of Culture status, as well as for the new Town of Culture competition, which we are also developing an expression of interest for.
As part of being long listed for City of Culture 2029, Blackpool, along with the eight other places including Sheffield and Middlesbrough in the north, will now receive a £60,000 to develop our bid which will be submitted this summer.
As a Wiganer, the Culture Secretary understands Blackpool’s rich culture, having spent time here growing up and now visiting with her own family. When she first took up her role as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, it was Blackpool that she chose for her first official visit and I had the opportunity to take her around some of our best cultural assets including Showtown Museum, the Winter Gardens and the Tower.
Lisa Nandy at Showtown Museum last year, enjoying an exhibit on fellow Wiganer George Formby
Yesterday I made a strong case to her for Blackpool and I’ll be lobbying hard for us to be successful. Blackpool’s Cultural Strategy aims for us to become the UK’s Coastal Capital of Creativity by 2030. Knowing the legacy that City of Culture status brings and the wealth of creative people we have in our town pushing this vision forward, it seems we are well on our way to realising that vision.
