New Brighton captures local stories as part of Town of Culture bid

The New Brighton Partnership has been engaging with well-known local figures and residents as part of its ongoing work to develop a strong bid for the UK Town of Culture 2028.

As part of this activity, the Partnership recently met with Billy Butler, one of the North West’s most recognisable radio broadcasters, best known for his long-standing role on BBC Radio Merseyside, and his wife Lesley Butler. The couple have lived in New Brighton for over 35 years.

Reflecting on the town, Billy described it as “so vibrant… it’s just full of life,” while both spoke of their love for the seaside location, noting simply: “We love being by the sea.”

Billy shared memories of visiting New Brighton as a child, describing it as “our abroad,” recalling journeys by ferry to Seacombe followed by walks into the town. He added, “You’d go round these great long roads with big trees everywhere… I never thought I’d live here.”

Lesley, originally from Bootle, also spoke about her early visits to New Brighton and the strong sense of community that remains today. “We are really settled here,” she said, adding, “There’s a lovely vibe here. It’s a fantastic community, especially Victoria Road and the promenade.”

Looking to the future, both highlighted opportunities for further development in the town. Lesley expressed a desire to see the return of an ice rink, reflecting on her own experiences skating regularly as a young person. Billy noted the importance of increasing visitor accommodation, stating, “I’d love a new hotel with a nice restaurant, because we’ve had so many close down over the last few years.”

The couple also reflected fondly on past attractions, including the former outdoor swimming pool, which remains a strong memory for many residents.

The New Brighton Partnership is gathering stories such as these to help shape its submission, which aims to highlight the town’s unique heritage, community spirit and future potential. The UK Town of Culture competition provides an opportunity for towns to showcase their identity, strengthen local pride and deliver a programme of cultural activity for residents and visitors alike .