Time Out has thrown its support behind Birkenhead, the sole North West finalist for the UK's inaugural Town of Culture award, which comes with a £3 million prize. The Merseyside town is competing against 14 other towns across three population categories for the title, aimed at replicating the success of the UK City of Culture programme in smaller communities.
Competition Details
More than 400 towns entered the competition. The winning town will receive a £3 million grant to deliver a year-long cultural programme in 2028. Towns are divided into three categories: small (fewer than 20,000 people), medium (20,000 to 75,000), and large (more than 75,000). Each shortlisted town receives £60,000 to develop its final bid, which will be assessed by an independent judging panel. One finalist from each category will be selected, with the overall winner announced early next year. The two runners-up will each receive £250,000.
Shortlist Overview
The shortlist includes: 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.
Time Out's Endorsement
Time Out, known for its guides to food, drink, events, and attractions, said: “Out of 41 entries from the region, Birkenhead is the only town flying the flag for the northwest of England. Its bid said that as the Town of Culture, it would use natural stages like Birkenhead Park and the waterfront to showcase local talent, culture and community. The application takes pride in the area’s offbeat character, with landmarks like the Grade-II listed outsider art palace Ron’s Place and its reputation as a ‘one-eyed’ city – a nickname rumoured to be tied to everything from horrific sailors’ injuries to the single ‘i’ in its name and the lone headlights on Birkenhead’s old cross-river tram.”
Unsuccessful Bids
Bootle missed out on the shortlist despite backing from Liverpool FC legend Jamie Carragher, who called it the "best place in the world." New Brighton also failed to make the cut. Wirral Council leader Cllr Paula Basnett previously celebrated the borough's two bids, saying: “Both Birkenhead and New Brighton bring their own distinct creativity and heritage, and these community-led bids are an opportunity to shine a national spotlight on that brilliance.”
