Council chiefs say a Kent seaside town’s bid for UK Town of Culture is “very tempting”.
Folkestone is being lined up as a potential contender for the government’s new award, which would see the winning town secure a £3 million investment.
Launching for the first time, UK Town of Culture 2028 aims to celebrate the legacy and creativity of some of the country’s smaller places.
Ahead of the application process, Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) has revealed a bid may be in store for one of its coastal communities.
Tony Vaughan, MP for Folkestone & Hythe, also pledged his support for the idea.
“Folkestone has a unique story, and I believe that we can be the next UK Town of Culture 2028,” he wrote on social media.
“To win the investment, we must show how our creativity includes everyone.
“The application process will be a fantastic opportunity to come together and tell our story.”
Folkestone is already home to the Creative Quarter – an urban village of designers, musicians, filmmakers and artists.
The founder of the area – Creative Folkestone – described the neighbourhood as a “hive of activity” after completely transforming the location.
The arts charity has restored 90 buildings and looks after 80 flats, 115 studios and offices, and more than 50 shops.
Three finalists will be selected, with the overall winner receiving the £3 million investment.
The two runners-up will each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their bids.
An expert panel led by TV producer Sir Phil Redmond will judge entries on how towns tell their unique story and deliver on their vision.
Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: “Everybody deserves the chance to share their pride in the place they call home and to have access to quality art, music, dance and drama wherever they live.
“That is why we are launching the UK Town of Culture – to celebrate towns and help to create a lasting cultural legacy.”
Across the border in East Sussex, Hastings is also expected to mount a bid to secure the prize.
The deadline for expressions of interest for the competition is March 31, with a shortlist expected to be announced in the spring.
The UK City of Culture competition was launched by the Labour government in 2009 to celebrate the contribution people and places across the country have made to cultural life.
Four cities – including Coventry and Bradford – have picked up the award over the past 15 years.
