Brewing heritage at heart of town's UK culture bid

Burton-upon-Trent has joined a growing roster of places bidding to be the UK's first town of culture, a title that comes with a £3m award to celebrate it.

The east Staffordshire town's entry will focus on its brewing heritage and community spirit, bosses said.

Inspired by the UK City of Culture contest, the UK Town of Culture competition recognises places for their cultural achievements, community engagement and local identity.

One successful town will be named. early next year, as UK Town of Culture 2028 and will get the £3m to deliver a year-long programme of cultural activity.

Two runners-up will each receive £250,000 to bring to life some of the ideas submitted as part of their bids.

"This entry is about the council working in partnership with local people to celebrate Burton and everything that makes our town special," said councillor Paul Walker, East Staffordshire Borough Council's cabinet member for tourism and cultural development.

"The bid will build upon the incredible work already happening, from our enhanced Washlands, to the ongoing success of the Sonic Boom Festival and the revitalisation of historic sites as part of the Old Brewery Quarter regeneration.

"Culture is at the heart of our community, and this is our chance to share that story with the rest of the country."

The town recently lost out on lottery funding for a new museum to showcase the history of brewing in Burton to replace the National Brewery Centre, which closed in 2022.

In December, the town hosted an immersive light show, which attracted large crowds to St Modwen's Church and the Bass Water Tower.

The council said its bid would reflect Burton's historic landmarks and grassroots community initiatives, as well as emerging creative talent.

The council is inviting local organisations to share their ideas and help shape the town's entry.

Longton, in Stoke-on-Trent, as well as Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire and Crewe in Cheshire, are also among those bidding for the title.

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