Morecambe has not been shortlisted to become the UK’s first town of culture after nearly 400 places from across the country entered the landmark competition.

Morecambe had entered the competition as a medium town in the North West in a bid to be named UK Town of Culture in 2028.

However it failed to be shortlisted along with hundreds of others that had entered.

Fifteen towns will now compete for the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028 title.

Morecambe fails to be shortlisted for UK Town of Culture competition.

placeholder image — Morecambe fails to be shortlisted for UK Town of Culture competition.

The shortlisted towns are:

*Small towns: Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, and Stockton Town Centre Ward

*Medium towns: Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, and Port Talbot

*Large towns: Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham

Shortlisted towns will now receive £60,000 each to develop their full bids, which will be assessed by the independent judging panel.

One finalist will then be selected from each category with the overall winner being announced early next year.

A spokesman for Morecambe Town Council said: “Congratulations to Corby Town Council and Sandown Town Council on making the shortlist for the inaugural UK Town of Culture!

"A big thank you to More Music, Deco Publique, Morecambe Winter Gardens and Lancaster City Council for developing Morecambe’s submission - a lot of momentum to build on for the future!”

The UK Town of Culture competition is part of the government’s ambition to restore pride in local areas in every part of Britain and deliver a decade of national renewal, following the announcement of the Pride in Place Programme last year.

Throughout this year, this competition - together with the UK City of Culture 2029 competition - will continue to shine a light on local visions and voices from across the UK to help encourage increased local investment, create a lasting sense of pride, and open doors to the arts and culture for everyone.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "I want to say a massive congratulations to the fifteen shortlisted towns and I wish them luck in the next round of the competition.

“The fact that we received so many applications just goes to show how proud people are of their towns.

"I am so glad that so many towns have applied and I hope each and every town, whether they have been shortlisted or not, is incredibly proud of the work they have done to champion their local community.”