Bridlington’s Town of Culture postcard on display at Liverpool museum

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy visited the venue to see a digital display of postcards from towns hoping to become the first UK Town of Culture, as judges whittle down hundreds of applications to a final shortlist.

Following the launch of the inaugural UK Town of Culture competition last year, the government has confirmed that it received 398 bids representing over 400 hopeful towns from across the UK.

In order to celebrate the local pride expressed in the submissions so far, every bidding town was invited to submit a postcard to champion their bid. These have been showcased by National Museums Liverpool in a digital display in the Museum of Liverpool on Thursday July 2 to celebrate the diversity of each and every town that has participated in the competition.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and chair of the independent panel judging the bids, Sir Phil Redmond, visited the museum to see the display ahead of the shortlist for the competition, which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Bridlington’s Postcard said: “We are the jackdaws of the Old Town. Our kind have watched these streets for generations, perched on rooflines, church stones and chimneys, seeing lives come and go below. We were here when this place was shaped by faith, trade, craft and sea winds.

“We are still here now, watching new stories take form in paint, song, memory and making. We know this town by its stones, its markets, its workshops, and the salt in the air.

“Through trails and paths, Bridlington can link its stories together, as we call from above and keep watch over what comes next.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “For far too long, towns across the UK have felt left out of our national story.

“Today we celebrate the local pride that has always existed in towns around the country within this amazing display of postcards from bidding towns.

“Through UK Town of Culture, I wanted to shine a light on our amazing towns all across the UK and the huge contribution they make to our national life. That contribution is clear to see today and I hope each and every town is incredibly proud of the work they have done to champion their community in the competition.”