Guildford launches UK Town of Culture bid

Guildford has become the second Surrey town to launch a bid to be named the UK's first Town of Culture in 2028.

Dorking became one of a number of towns in the South East to put itself forward for the title, which would see it receive £3m in government funding to put on events.

Now, Guildford Borough Council says it has launched its own rival bid for the title, with shortlists for the award expected later this year.

Councillor Vanessa King, deputy leader of the council, said: "Guildford has a powerful cultural story that brings past and future together with a playful, creative energy."

She added: "Its story is rooted in ancient heritage and shaped by global influences in literature, technology and games.

"This bid marks the start of telling that story in new and bolder ways."

A council spokesperson said Guildford's bid would take on a number of ideas such as "The Guildford Quest", a town-wide installation which would draw on the area's links to the gaming industry.

The bid is also being supported by the Guildford Business Improvement District, the University of Surrey, and the G Live concert venue in the town, among other organisations.

The UK Town of Culture competition was launched in January to sit alongside the UK City of Culture competition, which started in 2009.

Other towns in the South East to launch their bid include Eastbourne, Hastings, Worthing, Bexhill, and Littlehampton in Sussex, and Chatham, Dartford, Folkestone and Deal in Kent.

Three finalists will be chosen by an expert panel, with the winner awarded a £3m prize and two runners-up receiving £250,000 each.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "Everybody deserves the chance to share their pride in the place they call home and to have access to quality art, music, dance and drama wherever they live."

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