New survey after Town of Culture bid confirmed

Barnsley residents have been asked to share what makes the borough special to them as the council confirmed it would bid to become the UK's first Town of Culture.

The national competition would see the winning location awarded £3m to deliver a cultural programme in 2028, with two runners-up receiving £250,000 each to deliver elements of their bid.

An online survey has opened to residents, which will influence an expression of interest to the competition.

Councillor Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: "Barnsley's cultural landscape is rich, layered, and it's deeply rooted in our heritage of making, music, and local community traditions."

Local organisations have expressed their support for entry into the competition, and members of the council's Town Deals Board previously agreed to support the bid at a meeting on Monday.

Edward Naylor, chairperson of the Barnsley Town Board, said: "This presents a fantastic opportunity and it's important that cultural organisations across Barnsley pull together to help bring this home for the borough."

Dan Winder, chief executive of Barnsley Civic, said: "There will be lots of towns bidding for the honour of being the UK's first Town of Culture, but, from our brass bands to our dance schools, from our famous wordsmiths to our cutting-edge artists, Barnsley is full to bursting with creativity.

"We know our history of radical renewal, our collective capacity for reinvention, often in the face of adversity, and our deep traditions of generosity, community and collective action - all of this will inform our unique offer."

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