Penrith Town Council is answer whether the town will bid for the national town of cultural 2028 that could bring £3 million of government investment to the town.
The issue was raised at Monday evening’s meeting of Penrith Town Council when Penrith.Town News asked the council whether it intended to submit an expression of interest before the 31 March deadline for the UK Town of Culture 2028 competition, or whether the council was working with other organisations to put forward a bid for Penrith.
The question was asked after a number of towns across the country have already announced their intention to apply for the title. Locally, Kendal and Kirkby Lonsdale have both indicated they will be submitting bids, with town councils leading many of the bids by other towns.
The UK Town of Culture programme will see one town awarded the Town of Culture 2028 title along with £3 million in government funding to deliver a programme of cultural activity and events. while the two finalists will each receive £250,000 to deliver an ambitious programme of cultural activity in 2028. This is in addition to £60,000 development grants for all shortlisted places to work up their full bids.
The scheme is designed to highlight the cultural life of towns and support local heritage, arts organisations, festivals and community events. Towns that wish to take part must first submit an Expression of Interest outlining their cultural vision and plans, with the deadline set for 31 March.
Those selected to move forward in the process will then be invited to develop more detailed proposals as part of the competition.
Despite the approaching deadline, councillors were unable to say whether they intends to submit a bid for Penrith or whether any work is currently taking place to develop one.
Responding to the question during the meeting, the Chair of Penrith Town Council said she recalled seeing an email about the programme some time ago, and said the council would respond in writing within seven days to the question.
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