Blackpool submits culture bid supported by 20,000

Blackpool has formally submitted its bid to be named UK City of Culture 2029 and has revealed it has been supported by 20,000 people so far.

The bid has been presented to the government’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport. If successful Blackpool would receive £10m towards a year-long celebration of arts and culture.

As well as the grant, the title of City of Culture also brings additional funding, sponsorship and investment to support regeneration and events.

The bid has been backed by local, national and internationally recognised artists, businesses, performers, political leaders and celebrities, all asking the government to bring the accolade to Blackpool.

Local celebrities including the Pet Shop Boys’ Chris Lowe, punk star John Robb, explorer and author Jordan Wylie and Blackpool’s most famous British export, Sooty, have joined Blackpool fans such as Stephen Mulhern, Toyah Wilcox, Frank Cottrell-Boyce and Laurence Llewellyn Bowen to throw their support behind the bid.

Blackpool Council has worked closely with a range of local cultural organisations and creatives to develop the incredible programme of events and projects presented in the bid.

Council leader Lynn Williams said: “Blackpool is ready. This is our moment.”

She added: “Being named UK City of Culture 2029 would be a huge vote of confidence in our town. It would remind people across the country that Blackpool is the capital of fun, entertainment, heritage and culture.

"Our bid is strong not only because of our proud past, but because of what it means for our future. It would show our young people that they can build their future here with good jobs, opportunities and reasons to be proud about being from Blackpool.

"While developing the bid, I've met so many people who are genuinely excited about what it could mean for local creatives, businesses and communities. We are ready to show the rest of the country and the world the very best of Blackpool.

“Our bid is shaped by people from every corner of our town. Its benefits would reach beyond Blackpool too, across the Fylde coast, Lancashire and the wider North West.

“We’ve listened to local creative organisations, businesses and residents, from people who know how to put on major spectacles to community leaders who can make sure the benefits reach every street.

“I’ve been blown away by the support and goodwill behind the bid. It has brought together people who grew up in Blackpool and went on to build internationally recognised careers, alongside local business owners who can see its potential to create real jobs, fresh opportunities and new experiences for our people.”

The bid will see new projects with national and internationally renowned names such as; Jack Holden, Chila Kumari Singh Burman and Blackpool-based Garth Gratrix.

Support from across the Fylde Coast and the county has strengthened programmes even further thanks to the backing of Lancashire County Council and the Lancashire Combined County Authority and Business in the Community.

Kerry Vasiliou of Creative Blackpool said: “It has been a truly collaborative and exciting process. These large-scale events reflect our vibrant story - honouring our entertainment heritage, celebrating iconic milestones like the 150th anniversary of the Illuminations, and creating fresh spectacles that invite people to see Blackpool in a whole new light.

“Alongside an array of moments to gather, reflect and play, we are delivering rich and welcoming cultural engagement for all ages. We hope we can show the world what we are made of.”

More than 60 organisations, including membership bodies acting on behalf of other groups, have signed or submitted their own letters of support for the bid, including the leaders of Fylde and Wyre councils and the Lancashire Combined County Authority.

The broad initial scope of the bid focuses on Blackpool’s unique status as the original mass market seaside resort and where the UK comes to play building on a history of culture in all its forms.