THE TOWNS going through to the next stage of Town of Culture 2028 have been announced, with Malvern missing out.
Fifteen towns have been shortlisted after nearly 400 places from across the country entered the landmark competition.
This comes as the government confirmed that it has received 398 bids from over 400 hopeful towns as part of the competition.
The shortlisted small towns are Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, and Stockton Town Centre Ward. Medium towns are Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, and Port Talbot and large towns are Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham.
West Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has pledged to keep battling for Malvern and has met with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to press for her to support the bid which highlighted the significant contribution has made to the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Malvern is recognised for its associations with composer Edward Elgar, authors J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis and the MP pledged to support the bid when it was submitted in March.
Dame Harriett said: “Malvern attracts many thousands of cultural tourists each year and latest figures show that visitors bring nearly £200 million into the local economy employing 4,000 people.
“When she was first appointed to by Culture Secretary, I highlighted the important project to improve local arts around the Malvern Theatres development and I met with her in Westminster last week to press the case for Malvern.
“I am disappointed the judges did not add Malvern to the short list but the local cultural scene is vibrant and exciting and makes a huge financial difference to the town.
“I would be happy to support the town council again if it chooses to bid for a future award and I am grateful to our local councils who put a lot or work into the campaign to help keep Malvern on the nation’s cultural map.”
