Could Morecambe be the first ever UK Town of Culture?
A number of local organisations have backed the idea of Morecambe applying for the government's new Town of Culture competition.
Talks have been held about a potential bid after towns across the UK were invited to enter before the deadline of March 31.
A shortlist is expected to be announced in the spring, and the winning town will be awarded £3m to deliver a cultural programme in 2028.
The contest will run alongside the existing UK City of Culture, which was won by Bradford in 2025.
The UK Town of Culture was announced by Lisa Nandy, the government's Culture Secretary, in October.
Renowned TV producer Sir Phil Redmond will chair the panel of judges.
A government spokesperson said "the competition is open to small, medium and large towns, with the winner delivering a vibrant cultural programme.
"Showcasing towns’ local visions and voices - through new arts venues, performances, workshops and more - this competition brings local investment, creates a lasting sense of pride in towns, and opens doors to the arts for everyone.
"Towns can submit their Expressions of Interest now.
"Sir Phil Redmond will lead an expert panel, judging towns on the way they’ll tell their unique story, how they’ll bring everyone in a community together, and how towns will deliver on their vision.
"The strongest bids will progress to a shortlist, with each shortlisted town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition.
"Three finalists - one small, one medium, one large town - will be chosen.
"The winner will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive a £3m prize. The two runners-up will each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their bid, from refreshed community infrastructure to electric music festivals.
"The UK Town of Culture competition aims to celebrate the significant contributions of towns to our national story.
"The competition focuses on building a more socially cohesive country where communities feel proud of their place and empowered to celebrate it.
"The UK Town of Culture is an opportunity for places and communities to use culture and creativity to tell their story and why they are proud of their community."
The Town of Culture competition has been on the agenda at two Morecambe Town Council meetings held this month.
At both meetings, held on February 12 and 19 at Morecambe Town Hall, the press and public were excluded from Town of Culture discussions due to their confidential nature.
New drumming festival to be held in Morecambe
New four-day Lancaster Fringe Festival announced
Former Lancaster antiques centre revamp gets go-ahead
Controversial new housing plans near Lancaster given thumbs up
LISTEN: Plans revealed for 'permanent seasonal' Lancaster On Ice
Morecambe woman charged with murder following death of eight-week-old baby
Rescue after person stuck in mud in Lancaster
Hundreds expected at Eden Project Morecambe 'breaking ground ceremony'
Morecambe children's nursery announces plans to close during extreme heat
Lancaster MP responds to Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister
Carnforth High School praised as a "caring community" in Ofsted report
Body of man found in Lancaster park
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Armed Forces weekend will return after massive crowds enjoy biggest ever event
Morecambe MP says Sir Keir Starmer "has made right decision" as Prime Minister resigns
Limited edition artwork will raise vital funds for Lancaster community group
Green Heritage Plaque marks first home of Lancaster University
New home revealed for £20m Morecambe West End regeneration scheme
Wooden nests take flight in Lancaster and Morecambe to stop decline of endangered birds
Veterans salute as Armed Forces Day flag raised at start of celebration weekend in Morecambe
Vandals cause delays to aqueduct sinkhole repairs in Lancaster
