Westmorland and Furness Council has this morning abandoned plans to lead on any town of culture bids as reported yesterday the council had intended to lead on one bid to government for Barrow in Furness to become the first town of culture in 2028.

The council has today announced it will no longer leading on one bid and is offering tailored support to any organisation that would like to submit a bid to the town of culture.

A spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “We are providing varying levels of advice and support to organisations that have expressed an interest in submitting a bid for the Town of Culture. Our support is tailored depending on the approach each community would like to take and the role they would like the council to play. 

“In Kendal and Kirkby Lonsdale, the local Town and Parish Councils have taken the lead, and we are part of strong local working groups where we are able to offer support and advice as required. 

“In Barrow, cultural organisations have expressed an interest in submitting a bid for the town. As a community powered council, we are working with them to support a community insight piece that will help inform a bid. As the project develops, we will work with our partners to establish who will be best placed to lead on the submission on behalf of Barrow.”