Blackpool is one of the final four places on the shortlist to be named UK City of Culture 2029.
Blackpool will compete with Wrexham, Sheffield and Milton Keynes to win the accolade, which would mean a £10m, year-long celebration of arts and culture.
Around 30,000 people have backed the town to be the UK City of Culture since the expression of interest was issued in January and then full bid in August.
Blackpool meets the criteria for City of Culture despite not being a city because eligibility was previously expanded. Cornwall, for example, had bid to be City of Culture before.
Cllr Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Blackpool has never needed to be told how to put on a show. We’ve been entertaining people for generations, and now we have the chance to show the country exactly what our town is made of.
“Being shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029 is a chance to celebrate everything that makes Blackpool what it is. Our music, dance, comedy and entertainment, the Ballroom, the Tower, the Opera House, the Grand Theatre; our bandstands, festivals, fireworks and Illuminations.
“It is in Rebellion, our community arts groups and theatres. It is in the traditions passed down through generations, but also in the new things that are shaping our culture today, from gaming and digital creativity to new music, art and performance. Blackpool has never been a town that stands still.
“We should be proud of that. It is proud, working-class culture that has always been about bringing people together, having fun and making something happen. We have always been a town that entertains the country, and there is nowhere quite like Blackpool.
“But this bid is about much more than celebrating our past. It is about our future, and particularly the future of our young people.
“City of Culture would bring new opportunities, jobs, investment and experiences, but it could also give our young people more reasons to believe in themselves, to develop their talents and to see a future for themselves here in Blackpool.
“The bid belongs to the people of Blackpool. It belongs to our performers, artists, musicians, dancers, community groups, businesses, volunteers and everyone who makes this town what it is.
“We now need the whole town behind it. We need people to get involved and show the judges why Blackpool is special. We have a unique culture, a huge heart and a story that deserves to be told. Now we have the chance to show the country exactly what Blackpool is capable of.”
If Blackpool’s bid is successful, it will include ‘four distinctive’ public propositions. They are:
We’ll Show You presenting Blackpool’s culture at its most ambitious, from major performances to dance, broadcasting and more
The Welcome Inn will aim to build on Blackpool’s traditions of hospitality, exchange and shared enjoyment
Sea Change will connect culture with care for people, communities and the environment
It’s Like Blackpool Illuminations In Here! will use the 150th anniversary of the Illuminations to connect local participation with international artistic and technological innovation
Even if unsuccessful, the town would receive £125,000 to take forward some elements of the bid.
Adam Knight, Chair of Creative Blackpool said: “Our City of Culture year will reframe people’s expectations of Blackpool.
“With a playful and intelligent programme of events designed to surprise and excite everyone, our proud working-class roots and resilient spirit will shine through bold new creative collaborations.
“Our famous welcome will be extended world-wide and will encourage people to take a second look at the potential of their own seaside towns and coastal communities.”
Kate Shane MBE, Managing Director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, added: “We are thrilled that Blackpool has made it through to the next round. Wherever I go, I hear the same message: people believe in Blackpool and are proud to support our bid.”
“To be crowned City of Culture 2029 would be a fantastic opportunity to showcase Blackpool to new audiences, inspire more people to visit, support local businesses and create lasting economic and social benefits for the town and its communities.”
Responding to the announcement, Chris Webb MP for Blackpool South said:
“I couldn’t be prouder of our town. This is brilliant news for Blackpool and a huge boost for us.”
He continued: “Blackpool deserves the City of Culture title and I’m confident in our chances. For me we’re the clear winner. Now it’s about bringing the town together and showing everyone what we can achieve. Let’s show Blackpool in a new light.”
Lorraine Beavers, MP for Blackpool North, added: “There’s still a long way to go, but we should take real confidence from getting this far. I’ll continue to do all I can to make the case for Blackpool and I hope the whole town gets behind the bid. We have every reason to believe in what Blackpool can achieve.”