Bid launched to become UK's first Town of Culture
PA MediaA town in Kent has launched a bid to be named the UK's first Town of Culture.
Dartford Borough Council has confirmed it has submitted an expression of interest in the new national competition launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for 2028.
The Town of Culture programme will see the winning town awarded £3m to deliver a cultural programme of about six months. It follows the UK City of Culture initiative.
"Dartford's cultural influence runs deep. From the town's industrial heritage to the global legacy of artists and musicians who began their journeys here, Dartford has long helped shape Britain's cultural identity," the council said.
The bid will be led by the Dartford Town Centre Partnership and developed with the council along with a network of partners.
The government said that the Town of Culture competition aimed to "spotlight the cultural contribution of towns to our national story".
As well of £3m for the winner, the two finalists from the small, medium and large-size town categories will also receive £250,000 each to deliver parts of their bid.
The council said: "Today, the town continues to deliver meaningful cultural experiences – from celebrating its world famous music heritage through statues of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, to the Sir Peter Blake Gallery, a year round programme of free community events."
Residents are being encouraged by the council to share their own stories of the town to be included in the bid.
Jeremy Kite, leader of the council, said: "I'm passionate about culture and creativity in our town, and I think we're very fortunate to have a town bursting at the seams with it.
"Culture in Dartford is not merely confined to one venue or organisation. It lives in businesses, community halls, schools, rehearsal rooms, high streets and public spaces. It lives in its people."
