Ashby de la Zouch Town Council has today confirmed its intention to enter the first ever UK Town of Culture competition.

Earlier this week, representatives from several key Ashby organisations met to learn more about the application process and discuss what would be required to put in a strong bid.

'They were very enthusiastic about the prospect of bidding to be the UK's Town of Culture and full of ideas to make our expression of interest compelling for the judges,' says the group.

Ashby will be entering into the competition in the Small Town Category, hoping to highlight the town's rich heritage, vibrant cultural life and ambitions for the future.

At a town council meeting on Monday 26 January, Cllr Dan Harrison, Leader of Leicestershire County Council, spoke in support of the Town of Culture bid.

He said: 'I 100% support this,' before going on to say he wasn't sure if the District Council could back the bid as multiple towns in the district will be entering.

Leader of Ashby Town Council Chris Smith said: 'This is an excellent opportunity for our town to showcase everything it has to offer. Even by simply entering the competition, we expect to attract significant media interest and put Ashby firmly on the map.

'We are now in the process of writing 'Our Story', which is one of the most important elements of the application. If we are successful in progressing to the next stage, we will receive £60,000 to further develop our ideas and complete in the finals.'

advertisement