Town of Culture bid 'could transform Grimsby'

Viking events have attracted tens of thousands of people to Grimsby in recent years

Grimsby should be in the running to become the UK's first Town of Culture, local leaders have said.

The new competition has been launched by the government and is aimed at small and medium-sized towns.

MP Melanie Onn said entering would help to "restore a real sense of pride and belonging" to the area.

"Most of us are aware of the transformational effect that being City of Culture had on Hull in 2017. I want to see that happen here, too," she added.

The winning town will be awarded £3.5m to help it deliver a cultural programme during the summer of 2028.

Those shortlisted will receive £60,000 to help deliver bids.

Launching the competition last month, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy argued it would shine a light on "the places that have shaped our cultural life, but haven't always had the recognition they deserve".

Festival organiser Julia Thompson says Grimsby's culture is out in the open

Onn said winning would help to "grow our local economy" and "open up opportunities for young people".

Cultural leaders have also backed a bid.

Julia Thompson, who organised the award-winning Grim Falfest Viking festival, described the Town of Culture competition as a "great idea".

"We've done well culturally in Grimsby and Cleethorpes," she said.

"When you think of culture, you think of art galleries and museums. We have loads of culture here, but it's not under a roof, it's out in the open, like the art on the walls."

Paula Denton, who runs the cultural charity Our Big Picture, said: "We are one of the forgotten towns and we are fighting back and I think this is our chance."

Charlotte Bowen, a director at The Culture House, which has been organising festivals and events for the past 15 years, said Grimsby was "a very artistic place".

"There are loads of creatives here, but what's needed is that boost and investment," she added.

"Culture is the perfect way of bringing people together."

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