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.
UPDATE: Two men charged with robbery and burglary offences at Morecambe and Lancaster shops
LISTEN: Community garden taking shape in memory of Heysham toddler
Second earthquake in two days hits Silverdale as tremors felt across Morecambe Bay
£2.5m funding boost for Eden Project Morecambe will help create new visitor zone
British Transport Police office returns to Lancaster Railway Station
Ryelands Community Connect scheme aims to bring together locals
Twenty vehicles caught speeding during police crackdown in Lancaster
Councillors call for halt to demolition of vandalised Morecambe 'youth hut'
Coastal pollution clean-up training to be held on Morecambe beach
Man seriously injured at Morecambe pub "making excellent progress" as investigation continues
Vandals target tractors used by King's Guide to Sands of Morecambe Bay to keep walkers safe
MP hopes for improved mobile signal at last as new mast installed in Lancaster
Maternity services at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary officially exit national special measures
Crews tackle kitchen fire in Lancaster
Opening date announced for animal rescue charity's new Morecambe home
Lancaster MP takes on Morecambe 10K in aid of new children's playground
Tributes paid to twice-Lancaster mayor who served on council for 56 years
Dancing Eric Morecambe Statue part of police campaign to warn about AI deepfakes
PHOTOS: Great Wall of China trek raises more than £300K for Lancaster hospice
Another earthquake hits Silverdale as tremors felt across Lancaster and Morecambe Bay
