Disappointment for Scarborough and Whitby in Town of Culture competition
No North Yorkshire towns have been shortlisted for the inaugural Town of Culture competition in a ‘disappointing’ announcement.
Cultural and political leaders across England’s largest county have expressed their surprise and disappointment at the absence of any North Yorkshire towns making it to the shortlist of the Government’s new culture contest.
On Thursday, July 9, 15 towns were shortlisted to become the UK’s first Town of Culture, after nearly 400 places from across the country entered the landmark competition.
Scarborough, Whitby, Helmsley and Malton & Norton were absent from the list despite enthusiastic local and regional campaigns.
Scarborough residents had hoped that being shortlisted would coincide with celebrating 400 years of England’s original seaside resort.
Cllr Simon Myers, the executive member for culture at North Yorkshire Council, said that while he was disappointed and sorry that the effort put in by towns in North Yorkshire did not result in them being shortlisted, he added there were positive takeaways.
“The good that has come out of it is that it’s got rather disparate groups of people together with a joint aim to promote their town and to celebrate what’s good about it and to recognise what needs doing.
“I think there is some real value to come out of it, while yes, obviously I’m disappointed that none of the fabulous towns in North Yorkshire have been shortlisted.”
Fifteen towns will now compete for the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028 title. The shortlisted towns are:
- Small towns: Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, and Stockton Town Centre Ward
- Medium towns: Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, and Port Talbot
- Large towns: Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby, and Rotherham
Shortlisted towns will now receive £60,000 each to develop their full bids, which will be assessed by an independent judging panel. One finalist will then be selected from each category, with the overall winner being announced early next year.
Alison Hume, the MP for Scarborough and Whitby, said: “While I am naturally disappointed that Scarborough and Whitby have not been shortlisted to become the UK’s first Town of Culture, I’m so proud of both towns’ bids.
“Scarborough and Whitby both put forward very strong cases, and this outcome should not be seen in any way as a reflection of the dedication, hard work and passion of everyone involved in developing the bids.”
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Cllr Myers urged artistic and creative communities across the county to “not lose the ambition”.
He added: “North Yorkshire Council will support them in every way we can to celebrate what we have and to develop the fantastic organisations that there are and to involve our communities and our residents, young and old, you know, rich and poor.
“I’m a great believer in the huge social value of culture, it’s up there with sport and leisure in terms of wellbeing.
“But also, the economic value to us as a tourist destination. I’m really grateful for everything everybody does, and they mustn’t feel disheartened by this.
“There’s another round in four years, and one of us will win it then, I’m sure.”