'Entertainment and hospitality' - Bishop of Blackburn backs 'special' Blackpool for City of Culture title
“Blackpool is a proud, working-class town that has never stood still.”
On the back of this week's announcement that Blackpool is down to the final four in the race to be awarded City of Culture status, the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev. Philip North, has welcomed the news and called for the whole of Lancashire to get behind the bid.
A new location is given the culture city status every four years and the winner will receive £10m to deliver a year of cultural events, taking inspiration from 'local strengths and stories'. Bishop Philip called today for huge support for Blackpool as it enters the final straits of a race which ends with the official announcement of the winner in May 2027.
The Bishop said: "This is amazing news for Blackpool and for the whole of our County. Blackpool has always held a special place in the nation's imagination. For generations it has been somewhere that has brought people together, offered entertainment and hospitality and created memories.
"At the same time, we know that many communities across the town face significant challenges on a daily basis. Our local churches often see the resilience of local people and the realities of hardship and inequality. That is why today's announcement gives us such cause for hope and our churches will be looking forward to
"As local council Leader, Councillor Lynn Williams has said, Blackpool is a proud, working-class town that has never stood still. A place of creativity, determination and generosity - qualities that are woven deeply into the town's character.
"Now Blackpool has been shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029, we have an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate all that is good about Blackpool and the communities that live there; telling its story afresh.
.png?trim=0,0,0,0&width=640&quality=65)
All the latest news and top stories from across Blackpool and the Fylde coast directly to your phone.
Never miss a thing. Click here to join
“Churches across the town stand ready to play their part, working alongside local partners to help ensure that culture becomes a force for renewal, opportunity and community pride.
"I give thanks for today's news and I now hope everyone in Lancashire can get behind Blackpool's bid over the coming months. Previous successful bids have seen benefits that bring investment and an influx of visitors; helping to raise profile and inspire confidence in the future.
"But whatever lies ahead, the announcement today will stand as a reminder that Blackpool is still a place where the possibilities are endless. I wish all those involved in the final push every success - I will be praying for the best possible outcome."