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New Brighton residents have spoken out, following missing out on the 15-strong shortlist for the first UK Town of Culture award, according to the Wirral Globe.
Over 400 towns submitted applications for the coveted award; however, it was Birkenhead that made the shortlist, not our seaside town.
Shortlisted towns are already due a £60,000 cheque to develop their culture bids before a winner is announced next year. The Birkenhead bid is being run by Future Yard co-founder Craig Pennington, and the bid has already been split into four phases.
Concerning the snub, Rory Wilmer, director of New Brighton Creative Futures CIC, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "New Brighton is a town of culture. We don't need accolades or awards to prove that. The proof is here."
On missing the shortlist, Mr Wilmer added: "Of course it's disappointing because a lot of people put a lot of work and effort into the bid. It was a strong submission".
He acknowledged that the award may be targeting towns facing economic decline, saying: "We understand and appreciate why deprivation might be an element in the decision-making."
Victoria Road, the heart of New Brighton's bustling centre, is now lined with independent bars, cafés and striking murals celebrating the town's history. The town also recently hosted its New Brighton Pride over the weekend, which has steadily grown since starting five years ago.
Resident Ted said of the town: "This is such a unique place that is full of characters. It's not over; I can only see the town getting better and better. I love our little home. It's amazing. Everyone should want to come."
Anthony Wilcock, who has lived in New Brighton for over 30 years, said: "There's no better place to spend a nice day."
Lucy Richardson, a member of the New Brighton Partnership which led the town's bid, said: "It would've been great. We are going to continue to do everything we can to make New Brighton amazing, but we already are a town of culture."
She added: "We are in full support of Birkenhead's bid. If Birkenhead wins, it'll have a knock-on effect on the whole of the Wirral."
