A second market town in Huntingdonshire has announced that it will be throwing its hat in the ring to be named as the UK Town of Culture 2028.
After the town council voted to back the bold bid, it was announced today (Wednesday March 4) that Huntingdon would be the latest place to embark on the "cultural journey" to become the UK Town of Culture.
The bid has been put forward by a collaboration of local organisations - Huntingdon Town Council, BID Huntingdon First, and the Cromwell Museum.
Together, the trio will be working jointly to create and submit an Expression of Interest, which is the first step in the process.
Work will now begin behind the scenes to engage local arts and cultural organisations, creative practitioners, performance groups and community arts initiatives.
The Expression of Interest is going to be driven by Huntingdon's artistic strengths from music, theatre, visual arts and dance.
Cllr Amanda Norton, chair of the estates amenities and communities committee for Huntingdon Town Council, said: "We’re absolutely thrilled to be stepping forward with this bid.
"This is a huge opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Huntingdon special, our heritage, our creativity, and our amazing community.
"The energy behind this partnership is incredible, and we can’t wait to show the rest of the country what Huntingdon can do."
Paul Sweeney, CEO for BID Huntingdon First, said: "We see enormous potential for the Town of Culture programme to bring fresh energy and opportunity into Huntingdon.
"A chance to celebrate the rich cultural activities that already exist on our doorsteps.
"Showcasing this not just across the UK but by opening doors locally to people who have perhaps not felt included, seen or believed they had access to the arts.
"Inspiring creativity in our community is a way to strengthen our town, learning from the past, working in the present and shaping it for the future."
Stuart Orme, curator for the Cromwell Museum, added: "The Cromwell Museum is rooted in Huntingdon’s cultural identity, and we’re excited to help shape a bid that looks to the town’s future as well as its past.
"With plans for our expansion underway, this is a perfect moment to work in partnership to celebrate our town’s heritage while embracing new possibilities for the whole community."
The winning town will receive £3 million to deliver a vibrant, cultural programme in 2028.
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