Worthing misses out on UK Town of Culture shortlist
Worthing has failed to make the shortlist for the Government's UK Town of Culture award.
The competition, hosted by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), will see one town receive a £3million prize as part of the Prime Minister's ‘ambition to restore pride in every part of Britain’.
It aims to ‘bring local investment, create a lasting sense of pride in towns, and open doors to the arts for everyone’, according to the DCMS.
Worthing Borough Council submitted its bid in May, working in collaboration with more than a dozen local groups, organisations and individuals.
The local authority hoped the bid would unify ‘separate pockets of talent’ – moving towards a ‘single, powerful cultural destination’.
The UK Government has now shortlisted 15 places across the nation – and Worthing hasn’t been included.
Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham are through in the large town category; Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd and Port Talbot in the medium town category, and Ilfracombe, the Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane and Stockton Town Centre Ward in the small town category.
A spokesperson for Worthing Borough Council said: “While it’s naturally disappointing not to be shortlisted for UK Town of Culture 2028, we’re incredibly proud of the creative energy that continues to thrive across our seaside town.
“From our theatres and galleries to music venues, festivals, independent creatives and community groups, Worthing has a vibrant cultural scene that enriches lives every day.
“We’re grateful to the dozens of local organisations, artists and volunteers who came together to shape our application, which will help inform our work going forward.
“We’ll continue celebrating Worthing’s heritage, supporting our creative community and creating opportunities for culture to flourish, helping shape an even brighter future for the town.”