Amble bids to become the UK Town of Culture 2028 in partnership with neighbouring parishes
Amble is the latest Northumberland town to bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture.
The UK Town of Culture 2028 is a government competition which aims to celebrate towns and encourage communities to use culture and creativity to tell the story of their place.
Joining forces with neighbouring parishes, Warkworth, Acklington and Hauxley, Amble is now in the running for the accolade.
Town mayor, Luke McTaggart explained: “The competition is all about our story, so we're keen to take audiences on a journey from our bronze age beginnings, through our industrial past to the vibrant, creative seaside destination we are today.
"Crucially though, we're not doing it along and we've joined forces with our neighbouring parishes, using the common thread of the stunning River Coquet to share the diverse culture and heritage unique to our part of the region."
The winning town will receive £3 million to deliver a cultural programme lasting around six months in 2028. The two other finalists will each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their proposed programmes.
As an artist himself and co-director of Dovecote Street Arts, Luke has experience in organising exhibitions and events hopes to use the competition to shine a spotlight on all of the great things about the coastal town which he grew up in.
"It's a real privilege to be representing the town at this special time for us," he said. “I've been born and bred in this town and know how special it is.
“We've got a resourcefulness and pragmatism that comes from facing the challenges presented by a decline in industry, as well as a warmth and generosity that binds our community together.”
The mayor explained how the award would benefit the local community by boosting tourism in the area and footfall for local businesses.
He added: “We've got an exciting range of projects and a dynamic and engaging programme planned if we were to win the competition. The community would be front and centre in this and we'd work with them to really make sure everyone's voices are included.”
The shortlisted bids will be announced this spring, and the winning town will be named in 2027.