Residents asked to shape Town of Culture bid

A Worcestershire town has asked residents to help shape its pitch to become the UK's first Town of Culture in 2028.

The contest offers areas the chance to show off their cultural, creativity and community strengths, with the winning town getting a £3m government prize.

Malvern Hills District Council said it was working with town councillors to submit a bid, which, if successful, would bring a year-long programme of cultural activities.

The authority is running a survey until 18 March asking residents, businesses and community groups to comment on and add ideas.

The survey results will shape the town's application, it said, as well as inform future cultural plans.

It clarified that Great Malvern and the surrounding areas of Malvern Link, West Malvern, Malvern Wells, Little Malvern and Barnard's Green would all be included.

The town's mayor, councillor Marilyn Birks, recalled the now-defunct Malvern Fringe event, which attracted visitors from around the world for decades after it was revived in the 1970s.

"Now 50 years on, it's the right time to build and renew on all the great things Malvern has to offer, in terms of its heritage and cultural landscape," she said.

"And in 2026, enhanced by a new and increasingly diverse population where creativity and hi-tech brings a promise of a renewed, exciting place to be."

Councillor Beverley Nielsen, portfolio holder for economy and tourism, said she was excited by the "wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything that Malvern has to offer".

"The area is steeped in a rich and varied cultural history which should be recognised even more fully at a national level," she added.

Both Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire are also competing for the accolade, with the county also bidding to become UK City of Culture.

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