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."
Man accused of stealing joints of meat at Lancaster Asda by hiding them in his trousers
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Spectacular display of 12,000 poppies unveiled at Lancaster landmark
Eden Project Morecambe boss gives update on early stages of work on new £100m attraction
Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth Remembrance services announced
Road closures for pre-Tour de France work announced for Lancaster district
Lancaster rock guitarist braves beard shave for charity
Two arrests made after post office robbery in Lancaster
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to perform concert for schools at Morecambe Winter Gardens
PHOTOS: Plans go in for major Lancaster regeneration scheme
Lancaster music venue's heartfelt message ahead of final night on New Year's Eve
Morecambe school named among one of England's most improved for attendance
Lancaster hospital nursing boss appointed to University of Cumbria honorary role
Morecambe Football Club placed under another embargo by the National League
£1.5m Lancaster scheme to boost water quality in River Lune is complete
Family pays tribute to Lancaster pensioner who died in road crash
Popular artist's print of Morecambe Bay Academy to be launched at alumni evening
Work set to begin on new Heysham skate park
Light Up Lancaster promises to illuminate city with ‘No Boundaries’
Sadness as Morecambe sports and social club suffers break-in on night of reopening
Man arrested after death of pensioner in Lancaster road crash
