Bilston bids for town of culture title

3 hours ago

Maisie OlahWest Midlands

News image — City of Wolverhampton Council said Bilston is "shaped by heritage"

BBC Lots of people standing around and shopping in an indoor market. One woman in a blue top pushes a shopping trolley while another with a lavender headscarf pulls her trolley. The stall they are near has bright oranges and flowers on display. — City of Wolverhampton Council said Bilston is "shaped by heritage"

A Wolverhampton town has entered the race to become the first UK town of culture.

The city council said it would submit an expression of interest for Bilston ahead of the deadline on Tuesday.

The winning town will be awarded £3m to deliver a cultural programme - similar to the UK City of Culture, which began in 2013.

Council leader Stephen Simkins said: "Bilston's identity has always been shaped by creativity, the arts, heritage and community spirit and plays a significant role in Bilstonians' wellbeing."

City of Wolverhampton Council 1800's light coloured stone building with trees into front of it — City of Wolverhampton Council said Bilston already had a strong cultural offer thanks to venues like the town hall, built in the 1800's

The council added that the town already had a strong cultural offer thanks to venues and organisations such as Bilston Craft Gallery, Bilston Town Hall, The Robin and Gazebo Theatre.

It has also announced the return of the town's carnival, after 18 years.

The new multi-million pound outdoor market which is due to be completed in June, will also provide a dedicated space for events, in an attempt to bring the community and visitors together.

"Bilston has a rich culture built on generations of manufacturing, mining and metalwork, its famed enamelware and orange chips," added councillor Chris Burden, the cabinet member for city development.

Pedestrians can be seen walking along Bilston high street. There are shops on either side, most look open, with some people sat on benches in front of the stores. The sun is shining. — The winning town will be awarded £3m to deliver a cultural programme

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

Three finalists will then be chosen, with the winning town awarded £3m to deliver a year-long programme of cultural celebrations, while two runners-up will receive £250,000 each.

The government said the competition sought to "foster a sense of local pride" and "spotlight the cultural contribution of towns to our national story".

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