Orange chips, music and the market: Bilston folk on why it deserves 'town of culture'

Locals have expressed their pride after it was announced Bilston was entering the running to be crowned the first ever UK Town of Culture in 2028.

From orange chips to a 200-year-old market, the town is steeped in history, heritage and culture, also playing a major part in the Industrial Revolution.

The City of Wolverhampton Council said it would submit an expression of interest for Bilston ahead of the deadline on Tuesday.

Butcher Kevin Evans said orange chips and the "best market around the country" meant it was "the place to be".

"You've got the best people in the world...even the Wolves fans," he joked.

Evans spoke fondly of The Robin 2, the legendary music venue in the town that has seen performances from an array of musical greats including Ben E King and Billy Ocean.

"I've seen a few there now, Heaven 17... I'm an 80s boy," he added.

The 200-year-old outdoor market is its jewel in the crown, with more than £8m being invested in a redevelopment project.

Its new home is due to be completed in June, the council said, and will also provide a dedicated space for events in an attempt to bring the community and visitors together.

Julie Emery, who runs JD Produce, said: "You can get absolutely anything in Bilston Market.

"We've got some real loyal customers as well...they really look after us and it keeps us in a job doesn't it," she added.

While residents have said it should get town of culture because of its history and things to do, one said he remembered a particularly special day back in 2018.

Carol Birch was enjoying herself at JD Wetherspoon's Sir Henry Newbolt in Bilston when a man brought his horse into the pub.

"Where else can you find a place where you bring in your horse?" she said.

The inaugural UK Town of Culture project follows City of Culture, which has seen the likes of winners Hull and Coventry win millions of pounds worth of investment since it started in 2013.

If Bilston is shortlisted, it will receive a grant of £60,000 to work up a full bid.

The town to win would then be awarded £3m to deliver a cultural programme that would last throughout 2028.

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