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."
Morecambe-based reality show starring Tyson Fury up for National Television Award
Man and dog flee scene after attack on chihuahua in Lancaster
Mayor of Lancaster saddles up for charity race night
LISTEN: Personal trainers set for gruelling 100-mile three peaks charity challenge
Mum takes on a million steps to help school and toy appeal in memory of caring daughter
Student apartments plan revealed for derelict former Lancaster pub
Crunch meeting called to vote on future of Morecambe sports and social club
PHOTOS: New images reveal plan for major renovations at Morecambe's iconic Midland Hotel
Stunning new drone images show 100 'Eric Morecambes' on beach to celebrate centenary
Rescue team's warning after motorist cut off by rising tide
Trapped person freed from vehicle after crash in Heysham
Firefighters tackle house fire in Lancaster
Firefighters called to wildfire in Lancaster
UPDATED: Police put 48 hour dispersal order in place after report of stabbing and arrests in Lancaster
Eden Project Morecambe Hub set to open as start of work on site draws closer
Morecambe BID gets overwhelming backing to continue for another five years
Forces veteran launches campaign to stop demolition of former Morecambe bus shelter
LISTEN: "A thriving Winter Gardens benefits Morecambe"
New mural unveiled to brighten up crime hot-spot in Lancaster city centre
