'We don't need a title to be a town of culture'
BBCSeveral towns have missed out on the chance to become the UK's first Town of Culture 2028.
Earlier this week the government announced a shortlist of 15 locations across the country who could take the inaugural title in 2028.
Only Stockton in north-east England and Cumbria made the shortlist despite bids from more than two dozen towns across the region.
Labour MP Sam Rushworth who was involved in failed bids for Bishop Auckland and Shildon said: "We don't need a title to be a town of culture. We will come back together and we will find other ways to achieve our ambitions."
The 15 shortlisted locations have each been given £60,000 to develop their bids, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Out of these towns, the winner will receive £3m to carry out a cultural programme in 2028 and the two other finalists will each receive £250,000 to deliver parts of their proposals.
The competition is running alongside the existing UK City of Culture contest which was won by Bradford in 2025.
Towns in the North East which were left disappointed with the shortlist included: Alnwick, Amble, Barnard Castle, Bedlington, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Hexham, Peterlee, Shildon, Ashington, Bishop Auckland, Blyth, Cramlington, Jarrow, North Shields, Redcar, Seaham, Stanley, Gateshead, and Hartlepool.
Blyth and Ashington Labour MP Ian Lavery admitted it "was always going to be a huge challenge" for Ashington, Bedlington or Blyth to be selected.
"But every single person who stepped forward to support, contribute and champion these bids should be incredibly proud," he added.
The chair of Jarrow's neighbourhood board Susan Wear congratulated Stockton on making the final 15 of the prize.
She said: "We send our hearty congratulations to Stockton, representing the North East on the shortlist, a town that has invested in culture for decades, and will look forward to hearing more about their plans."
Meanwhile Ulverston, Barrow-in-Furness, Kendal, Kirkby Lonsdale, Workington and Maryport failed in their bids from Cumbria.
Ulverston Town Council said it felt "very important" to put the town forward for the title despite its failure.
"You have to be in it to win it!" it said in a statement.
