Morecambe’s bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture has been unsuccessful.
14 towns across Lancashire had submitted an application, but none have made a shortlist which has been published by the government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The only town to make the shortlist in the North West is Birkenhead in Merseyside.
The shortlisted towns will receive £60,000 each to prepare their final bids with the overall winner set to be announced early next year.
The towns competing for the title were grouped into categories based on size of small, medium, and large.
The competition is part of the government’s broader initiative to enhance pride in communities across Britain through cultural investment.
A group of creative and cultural organisations based in Morecambe were put together to work on the submission, alongside collaborators from sectors including health, environment, education, young people and the third sector to shape the narrative and build a compelling bid.
A spokesperson for Morecambe Town Council said: ‘’Congratulations to Corby Town Council and Sandown Town Council on making the shortlist for the inaugural UK Town of Culture.
‘’A big thank you to More Music Deco Publique, Morecambe Winter Gardens and Lancaster City Council for developing Morecambe’s submission – there is a lot of momentum to build on for the future.’’
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “I want to say a massive congratulations to the fifteen shortlisted towns and I wish them luck in the next round of the competition.
‘’The fact that we received so many applications just goes to show how proud people are of their towns. When I launched this competition, I wanted to shine a light on our amazing towns all across the UK and the huge contribution they make to our national life.
"I am so glad that so many towns have applied and I hope each and every town, whether they have been shortlisted or not, is incredibly proud of the work they have done to champion their local community."
Power cut hits thousands of properties in Morecambe
Cyclist taken to hospital after collision in Morecambe
LISTEN: Morecambe Music Festival set to bring sunny vibes at town's four-day party
Lancaster and Morecambe pubs, cafes and restaurants back TV chef's campaign to cut VAT
Morecambe and Carnforth named top two trending UK staycation spots
Lancashire Police praise football fans for winning performance during World Cup
Community food workshops aim to empower people across the Lancaster district
£10 park show tickets part of Lancaster theatre's scheme to help with cost of living crisis
Man given lengthy jail term for attempted rape in Morecambe
Work continues to restore Morecambe Winter Gardens as it remains on national 'at risk' register
Tributes paid to renowned horse and carriage driver and true local legend
Crews tackle outbuilding fire near Carnforth
Have your say on Lancaster’s Lancashire Police Museum
Calls for climate change film to be on prime time TV after Morecambe screening
Green initiatives save Morecambe Bay hospital trust £300,000 on energy bills
Police investigate reports of ‘dogs being used to threaten’ on Lancaster estate
Morecambe business owner lobbies Chancellor over rising costs on Downing Street visit
Rallying call for volunteers as work starts on memorial garden for little George
M6 closure after van lands on its roof near Carnforth
New charity for young people officially launches in Lancaster
