Newmarket may not have been shortlisted for the next stage of the UK’s inaugural Town of Culture competition, but local partners say the ambitious work undertaken to develop the town’s bid has created a strong foundation for future cultural projects.
The government yesterday announced the 16 towns that will each receive £60,000 to develop full bids for the UK’s first Town of Culture title. Newmarket was one of 398 towns from across the country to submit an application, making the competition one of the most competitive cultural initiatives ever launched.
Despite the outcome, the organisations behind Newmarket’s bid remain determined to build on the momentum created throughout the process.
Tracey Harding, Chief Executive of Discover Newmarket, said:
“Whilst we are naturally disappointed not to have been shortlisted, we are incredibly proud of what we achieved together. The process brought together organisations, community groups and individuals from across the town to think creatively about Newmarket’s future and to explore innovative ways of sharing our unique story. That collaboration will not be lost. Our next step is to bring everyone together again and identify which ideas we can still deliver, ensuring the work we have started continues to benefit the town.”
The bid was led in partnership with Discover Newmarket, Newmarket BID, Newmarket Charitable Foundation and Newmarket Town Council. Together they engaged with community organisations, businesses and residents to develop an ambitious vision for a creative and cultural programme that would celebrate Newmarket’s unique heritage while supporting the regeneration of the town.
Although funding through the Town of Culture competition will not now be available, the partnership remains committed to working with the community to explore alternative funding opportunities and deliver elements of the programme wherever possible.
The UK Town of Culture competition forms part of the Government’s ambition to restore pride in places across Britain through its Pride in Place programme. Alongside the UK City of Culture 2029 competition, it aims to encourage investment in local communities, strengthen civic pride and increase access to arts and culture across the country.
With 398 bids submitted from towns nationwide, the response demonstrated the strength of cultural ambition in communities across the UK and highlighted the important role that towns play in the nation’s story.
One lasting legacy of Newmarket’s bid is its creative postcard, produced as part of the application process and unveiled alongside submissions from across the country at the launch event in Liverpool, the current UK City of Culture. The postcard will remain a lasting celebration of Newmarket’s identity and the town’s collective vision for its future.
The Culture Digital Map can be viewed here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer…