Bootle launches bid to become UK's first Town of Culture

Sefton Council is submitting a bid for Bootle to become the UK’s first Town of Culture in 2028.

The UK Town of Culture is a new competition targeted towns of all sizes across the country with the winning town awarded £3 million to deliver a six-month cultural programme in 2028.

Sefton’s bid puts local people, creativity and community pride at the heart of the town’s future. If successful, it will fund a programme featuring arts, music, performance, heritage and wellbeing activities designed and delivered with local residents, artists, businesses, schools and community organisations. The programme would aim to attract visitors, create opportunities for local talent, leave a lasting legacy beyond 2028 and complement the ongoing transformation of Bootle Strand and the town centre.

Sefton’s bid builds on Bootle’s thriving cultural scene, led by Salt and Tar. The venue already boasts major headline acts for its 2026 Music Weekender, including Nile Rodgers & CHIC and The Waterboys.

Salt and Tar has quickly established itself as a vital social and creative hub, bringing new footfall, supporting local businesses and generating real momentum in the town. Its community-led events and partnerships have strengthened local connections and shown how culture can drive regeneration and boost pride of place as the wider Strand transformation progresses.

To shape both the bid and its delivery, the Council is forming a Bootle Place Partnership Group to ensure a collaborative approach and an authentic local voice throughout. The group will include representatives from the local community and community groups, businesses, schools and local colleges.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said:

“Bootle is bursting with creativity, community spirit and a determination to shape its own future.

“Our UK Town of Culture 2028 bid is focused on local people, celebrating what makes Bootle unique, opening up opportunities for our young people, creative talent and using culture to support regeneration and wellbeing.

“If we’re successful, the six-month programme we have planned for summer 2028 will bring new experiences to our streets and spaces and leave a real legacy of pride, skills and investment for years to come.

“And becoming the first UK Town of Culture will be a great boost for the ongoing regeneration based around Bootle Strand.”

Over the coming months, Sefton Council will invite residents, artists, young people, community organisations, voluntary groups, educators and businesses to help shape the bid. This will be done through community conversations, workshops and ideas sessions.