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10
Jul
UK Town of Culture shortlist revealed
Fifteen towns have been shortlisted for the first UK Town of Culture award.
However, there is bad news for local entries as Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough all miss out.
A total of 398 locations applied, and the 15 to progress will receive £60,000 to work on their full bids with the winner announced early next year
The shortlisted towns are:
• Small towns: Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, and Stockton Town Centre Ward
• Medium towns: Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, and Port Talbot
• Large towns: Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham
Local bids
Tourism consultant Gemma Rio drew up Harrogate's bid, which was based on the theme of 'water, wellbeing and welcome', at a cost of £10,000.
Neither Ripon nor Knaresborough are believed to have spent money on their submissions.
Ripon’s bid, led by Uredale Community Partnership, adopted the theme ‘small city, big landscape’ as well as the idea of pilgrimage.
Knaresborough Town Council led Knaresborough's entry, which described the town as beautiful and quirky.
Judges will select one finalist from each category with the overall winner being announced early next year.
The UK Town of Culture competition is part of the government’s ambition to restore pride in local areas.
It is hoped successful entrants will benefit from investment, enhanced local pride and arts and culture.
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