Spalding submits bid to become Town of Culture

Spalding has entered the race to become the UK's first Town of Culture.

The bid to enter the government's competition was submitted after a consultation revealed a "significant appetite" for celebrating the town's history, the Spalding Town Board said.

The board will lead the entry by setting out a programme of activities to reflect the town's heritage, including places such as Spalding Gentlemen's Society, Ayscoughfee Hall and the South Holland Centre.

Robin Hancox, chairman of the board, said: "This is an exciting opportunity to celebrate Spalding's culture and heritage not just locally but nationally, and potentially attract more funding into our town."

The competition is aimed at small and medium-sized towns. The deadline for expressions of interest is 31 March, with the shortlisted towns due to be announced at a later date.

The winner will be awarded £3m to help it deliver a cultural programme during the summer of 2028. Two runners-up will also receive £250,000.

The board said the entry would reflect cultural highlights in the town, including it being home to work by 19th Century architect Sir George Gilbert Scott and music festival Barbeque 67, which saw performances from the likes of Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd.

Councillor Nick Worth, leader of South Holland District Council, said: "Spalding has an incredibly proud cultural identity and heritage, and I am really pleased for us to support any opportunity to showcase that on a national stage."

Sir John Hayes, MP for South Holland and the Deepings, said: "Having served Spalding as MP for almost thirty years, I have been privileged to experience the best of Spalding's cultural past and present.

"I am proud to back the bid for Town of Culture 2028."

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