Three towns prepare joint UK Town of Culture bid

Three towns in Derbyshire have confirmed they are making a joint bid to be the UK's first Town of Culture.

The UK Town of Culture competition, launched by the government earlier this year, offers a £3m funding package for the winning town to deliver a programme of events in 2028.

Ripley, Alfreton, and Heanor, working with Amber Valley MP Linsey Farnsworth, said they were putting themselves forward for the title and were working on an expression of interest (EOI).

In a statement, they said that "by uniting, the towns aim to highlight a story of rebellion, industry, and community".

Much of the area was dominated by heavy industry during the 18th and 19th Centuries, with coal mining predominant.

However alongside this Alfreton became know for brick making and rope making, Heanor was on the route of the world's longest tramway running from Nottingham to Ripley and Ripley itself was the home of the Butterley engineering company which made the roof of St Pancras station in London.

Farnsworth said: "Our towns have a story that the whole country deserves to hear.

"We aren't just three separate towns on a map. We are a community built on a shared history of radical ideas and industrial heart.

"From the miners who stood together in 1893 to the families who built our textile and engineering industries, this bid is about celebrating who we are.

"I am so proud to see our councils standing together to put Amber Valley on the national stage."

Alan Abernethy, mayor of Heanor and Loscoe Town Council, said the collaboration reflected "shared heritage, creativity, and community spirit that define our towns".

He added: "By coming together, we aim to celebrate our local identity, support artists and organisations, and create opportunities that bring residents and visitors together."

Hannah Jowett-Frost, mayor of Alfreton, said: "Together, our shared heritage is powerful, and this is our moment to let it shine.

"Our strong communities and thriving local businesses are at the heart of this partnership, showcasing the pride and potential that define our towns."

Meanwhile, Colin Bailey, mayor of Ripley, said: "We believe that working together puts us in a stronger position to get us through to the next stage, and ultimately a step closer towards helping revitalising our high streets as well as giving residents and visitors a programme of cultural events they can be truly proud of."

Towns across the UK are being invited to submit an EOI and the strongest candidates will progress to a shortlist, with each shortlisted town receiving £60,000 in funding towards their final bid.

Three finalists will be chosen by an expert panel and along with the main prize the two runners-up will receive £250,000 each to deliver elements of their bid.

The scheme has been launched as part of efforts to "restore pride in communities" with applicants encouraged to showcase their "unique stories", the government said at the time.

The deadline for EOIs is 31 March, with the shortlist announced shortly afterwards and a winner confirmed by early 2027.

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