WESTON-super-Mare is considering an official bid to be crowned the UK Town of Culture for 2028.

The seaside Somerset spot is weighing up a bid for the accolade, with leader of North Somerset Council (NSC) – and a Weston councillor – Mike Bell saying it has “the energy, the creativity, and the community spirit” to take the title.

Earlier this month, the Government announced the inaugural UK Town of Culture competition – building on the UK City of Culture contest, launched in 2009.

Claiming the title not only gives the winning town kudos, but a £3 million prize, with finalists being awarded £250,000. Towns have until March 31 to submit an expression of interest in the competition (EOI).

And Cllr Bell said NSC was joining other town organisations to consider submitting an EOI.

“As Leader of North Somerset Council, I am proud to support the ambition for Weston-super-Mare to put itself forward, because culture is already changing lives here, from free, inclusive public events and talent development led by Super Culture, to the cultural placemaking approach we are driving across the town and wider North Somerset,” he said.

“We also have a strong local commitment through Weston-super-Mare Town Council’s focus on supporting arts and culture, including ambitions around venues and heritage. Not to mention the amazing new talent emerging from Weston College creative arts students.

“And we have national recognition to build on, including The Grand Pier being voted into the UK’s top seaside experiences in the Bucket and Spade Awards.”

He said groups including NSC, the town council, Super Culture, and MP Dan Aldridge “are already coming together to look at next steps”.

“If you’re a resident, community group, school, artist, business or culture enthusiast, there will be a chance to get involved and share what Weston’s 2028 story should be,” he added.

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