A special Lancaster edition of the iconic board game Monopoly is being produced.
The city will have its very own edition of the enduringly popular game after coming out on top in a region-wide competition against other cities.
The new game will see Lancaster landmarks such as Lancaster Castle, Lancaster University, the Maritime Museum, Lancaster Priory and the Williamson Park’s iconic Ashton Memorial replacing the likes of Mayfair and Park Lane from the classic MONOPOLY London original.
Residents will also be asked which local attractions they would like to see featured in the MONOPOLY: Lancaster Edition.
The city won the chance to be featured by winning a 10-strong North-West contest to ‘Pass GO’ and land its own official board – beating, amongst others, Chester, which came a very close runner-up.
MONOPOLY is a property board game where players earn money by buying, renting and selling houses and hotels.
Numerous variations of the original game, many themed on famous places, have been produced over the years since its origins in the early 20th century.
London-based games company Winning Moves UK will produce the MONOPOLY: Lancaster Edition game under licensing from global branded entertainment leader Hasbro.
Councillor Joyce Pritchard, Mayor of Lancaster, said: “The creation of a Lancaster Edition of, arguably, the world’s favourite family board game is great news for the area.
“With so many iconic landmarks and visitor destinations to choose from, I think we can all look forward to seeing an exciting game being created from everything our wonderful city has to offer and to enjoying a tour with a difference of Lancaster’s most popular attractions.”
Ella Gibbs, Custom Games Executive at Winning Moves UK, said: “Lancaster has the most wonderful sense of community spirit.
“It’s culturally historic – as old as Britain - from its ancient Castle to Universities and bustling High Street to green open public spaces like the magnificent Williamson Park, where we are announcing this exciting news.
“We expect to be wonderfully spoilt for choice putting this board together.”
The Chance and Community Chest cards are being customised too. Players could be sent to the former prison cells at Lancaster Castle, rather than the MONOPOLY jail.
The game will hit the shops this October in time for Christmas 2023.
If you would like to nominate local landmarks to feature in the game, you can send an email to: lancaster@winningmoves.co.uk or visit the official Lancaster MONOPOLY Facebook page.
Suggestions open at 10.30am on Wednesday February 8 and close at 11.59pm on February 21.
Firefighters tackle lorry fire at business premises in Heysham
Lancaster police continue drive to tackle city centre street drinking
Exhibition inspired by Eden Project Morecambe to open in Lancaster
Spectacular night-time drone show to be part of Armed Forces weekend in Morecambe
LISTEN: Sing along as venue celebrates Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Morecambe Vintage Bus Day receives grant boost
Morecambe pensioner, 94, to release debut album for charity
Mental health champion arrives in Lancaster on 10-month charity walk
Celebrating a day of discovery in Morecambe with Lancaster University
Cafe couple love being back by Morecambe Bay as new sign goes up
Morecambe primary school's pioneering eco-garden set to open
Beyond Radio to broadcast live on Eric Morecambe's centenary
Date announced for spades in ground at Eden Project Morecambe
Morecambe cinema turned DIY store gains listed building status
‘Baby bank’ charity launches to help families in Lancaster and Morecambe
Music festival to raise funds and remember Morecambe's much-loved dancing man
Lancaster part of drink spiking support pilot scheme
New Heysham skatepark plans unveiled
Beyond Radio licence renewed by Ofcom for next five years
Driver taken to hospital after two-car crash in Lancaster
