Three North East towns bid for culture status

Three towns in north-east England are to compete for the title of Town of Culture 2028.

North Shields in North Tyneside, Bishop Auckland in County Durham, and Berwick-upon-Tweed in Northumberland all intend to run for the competition, which was launched by the government in December.

The winner will receive £3m to deliver a year of cultural events, while two runner-ups will be awarded £250,000.

North Northumberland Labour MP David Smith said if Berwick won it would be a "fantastic recognition for the town".

"It would bring £3m worth of investment which would be fantastic to support the the cultural life of Berwick," he said.

"Hopefully, we would expect it to bring a lot of people to the town to see the great offer it has culturally and I think it would be a boost to everyone involved."

Smith said winning the award would put Berwick at the "top table when it comes to culture" and would give the area the national attention it deserved.

Berwick's bid is being organised by a collection of local organisations including the town council, cultural venue The Maltings and Berwick Barracks.

Earlier this month Bishop Auckland's Labour MP Sam Rushworth announced to Parliament his town's intention to bid.

He told MPs Bishop Auckland had given "birth to the calendar" through the monk Bede, was home to the world's only Faith Museum, and formed part of an ancient pilgrim route known as the Camino Ingles.

He also highlighted the area's strong connection to art, through the Spanish Gallery and its history of mining artists.

"We also have the food festival, The Bishop Auckland Heritage festival, and so much more," Rushworth said.

"I have covered history, faith, industry, music, arts, food and sports; frankly, no town tells the cultural story of Britain like Bishop Auckland."

North Tyneside Council announced North Shield's intention to enter the competition on Friday.

Deputy mayor Carl Johnson said the town had a "compelling story to tell" and was in a good place to win the award on the back of its 800th anniversary celebrations.

"We know how much potential there is here with our rich cultural and heritage offer, active community organisations and the strong identity and distinctive character of North Shields," he said.

Organisations have until 31 March to complete an expression of interest, making a case for why their town should win.

The competition is open to towns around the country, with places such as Basingstoke, Richmond and Ashby-de-la-Zouch having already said they would take part.

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