Towns compete for UK cultural crown

Multiple towns across the south-east of England are competing to become the UK Town of Culture 2028.

Eastbourne, Hastings, Worthing, Bexhill, and Littlehampton in Sussex have applied to compete in the government contest, alongside Kent's Chatham, Margate, Folkestone and Deal.

Dorking in Surrey has also put in a bid, along with other towns across the region.

The government said the contest aimed to celebrate the "enormous contribution" of people and places to cultural life.

"Chatham built much of the modern world," said David Stokes from Nucleus Arts in reference to the town's shipbuilding history.

"It's a rebel town," he told BBC Radio Kent. "We think it's underrated and should be celebrated."

Announcing Littlehampton's entry into the race, councillor Freddie Tandy said: "I know it's going to be really easy for some people to say that's a waste of time. There's nothing cultural about Littlehampton. It's all rubbish.

"But those of us who call it home know that's completely untrue.

"Just look around. You will see things improving - that's not happening everywhere.

"Think about the history. We're on the coast. We're next to a river. We're near a national park. We have so many stories," he added.

Barbara Christopher, from Dorking, said it would be "absolutely wonderful" if the town won.

"We have just about everything here," she told BBC Radio Surrey, adding that Dorking is rich in music, churches, traditions and has a fantastic museum.

"A lot of Morris dancing goes on," added Christopher, who is involved in various cultural activities including Dorking Choral, Arts Alive, Leith Hill Festival,

"We're a town of people who are friendly and caring.

"Great culture is not confined to our largest metropolitan centres," said Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

"It is everywhere, rooted in communities across the country.

But she added: "For too long that talent and contribution has gone unrecognised."

The winning town will be awarded a grant for £3m, while the other two finalists will each receive £250,000 to deliver cultural programmes.

Entry ends in March.

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