A £3million boost from becoming the UK’s first “Town of Culture” will help celebrate Leigh’s heritage and help create “a legacy”, if an MP’s bid is successful.
Leigh is one of three towns in Essex, alongside Rochford and Witham, bidding to be recognised in 2028 as the first ever winner.
After 2009’s City of Culture programme launch, which secretary of state for culture Lisa Nandy said has “gone from strength to strength”, the Town of Culture campaign will “create a lasting cultural legacy” across the UK.
The winner will receive £3 million, and the two runners up £250,000 each, to deliver a programme of cultural activity through the year 2028, in addition to development grants to build up the bids of places that applied.
Southend West and Leigh MP David Burton-Sampson said Leigh has “so much culture”, and feels the town is a very strong contender.
“It is the most amazing place,” he said. “The culture and heritage here is unbelievable.”
He said from being listed in the Domesday Book to the Leigh Art Trail and Folk Festival, Leigh is a town already full of culture.
“We’ve got so many cultural people here; artists, musicians, there is so much to celebrate here,” he added.
Councillor Owen Richards, vice-chair of Leigh Town Council and a 10-year resident of Leigh, said the town has “an amazing heritage”.
“Culture has got a broad sense to it,” he said. “It can be digital, it can be film, it is books, all sorts of things.
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“We have the maritime heritage but also the independent shops, galleries, the places where you can go and socialise but also do things.”
He said the prize money would be a massive boost to the area’s arts scene, and ideas are already bouncing around the campaigners, including a cinema.
“Where can you go and see a film?” he said. “We used to have three cinemas in Leigh I believe at one point”
He said buildings like the library and old police station could be used to create a hub for creators and artists too.
Mr Burton-Sampson said they were working with the community to narrow down their thoughts, with permanent performing spaces and boosts to local festivals on the cards.
“While we would celebrate the here and now, we’d also look to the future and how we can create a legacy,” he said.
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