MP backs South Shropshire bids for ‘Town of Culture’ title
South Shropshire MP Stuart Anderson has thrown his weight behind Bridgnorth and Ludlow as they compete for a multi-million-pound investment in the national Town of Culture Competition.
The competition, which aims to spark cultural renewal and economic growth, will see the winning towns awarded £3 million to deliver a bespoke cultural programme in the summer of 2028. After reviewing the detailed applications from both towns, Mr Anderson formalised his support in letters addressed to the Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy MP.
The MP framed the bids as a vital component of his broader strategy to boost rural prosperity and celebrate the region’s unique heritage.
“As part of my plan to attract investment and support cultural heritage in South Shropshire, I am delighted to support the applications that have been made by Bridgnorth and Ludlow to the Town of Culture Competition,” said Stuart Anderson MP.
“Both towns in South Shropshire are very worthy candidates for the £3 million investment that the winning town will receive to deliver a programme of cultural renewal and growth in 2028. I am very proud of how communities in both towns came together to prepare their bids. This Competition has great potential to unleash rural prosperity in South Shropshire, bringing together businesses, community groups, and cultural organisations. It will celebrate the very best homegrown talent and our contribution to the rural economy.”
A Tale of Two Towns
In his representations to the Government, Mr Anderson highlighted the distinct strengths of the two applicants:
Bridgnorth: Praised as a leading market town with a proven track record for hosting diverse events, including car rallies, music festivals, and the ‘Step Back to the 1940s’ weekend at the Severn Valley Railway.
Ludlow: Commended for its "vibrant cultural offering," including the Ludlow Assembly Rooms, artisan markets, and its prestigious reputation as a culinary hub, all set against a backdrop of world-class historic architecture.
The MP extended specific thanks to the local organisers driving the bids. He credited Westley Bone and ShireFolk for gathering wide-scale support for Bridgnorth, and thanked Gina Wilding and Ludlow Town Council for their extensive community engagement and stakeholder surveys.
The competition is modeled on the successful UK City of Culture programme, which has previously transformed the fortunes of cities like Hull and Coventry. If successful, the £3 million windfall would be used to fund a high-profile summer of events, aimed at leaving a lasting legacy for the residents of South Shropshire.
