Why it’s so important the future’s looking Bootle-full

Bootle could soon be better than ever after a bid by Sefton Council for it to become the UK’s first Town of Culture 2028.

It’s part of a competition across towns of all sizes across the country – and if Bootle wins it will be awarded a £3 million boost to deliver a six month packed programme of culture.

The bid’s backed by a host of locally born celebrities including The Farm’s Carl Hunter, Red Rum Club frontman Fran Doran, Liverpool Football Club legend and TV pundit Jamie Carragher and BBC Radio and Guide presenter Leanne Campbell.

Fran says: “There’s a wealth of undiscovered talent and it should be spotlighted; it should be celebrated and encouraged.”

Carl adds: “A lot of creativity’s come from Bootle, from film composers to directors, footballers, designers, artists … and that needs to be sung about on an international platform.”

And Jamie agrees, adding: “I’m proud to be from Bootle.

“That’s where my friends and family are and they made me the person I am, and I’m very thankful and grateful for that.”

To help shape its bid, Sefton Council is forming a Bootle Place Partnership Group to ensure there’s a collaborative approach and everyone from the town has the chance to have their say.

The group will include representatives from all parts of the local community and community groups, as well as businesses, school and colleges.

Over the next few months residents, artists, young people, organisations, educators and companies will be invited to get involved through community conversations, workshops and ideas sessions that will be held – with details to be released soon.

If Bootle is successful, it will mean the regeneration and opportunities that have been seen over the last few years will be boosted even further.

* It will build on the thriving cultural scene led by Salt and Tar, the canal side venue that’s established itself as a vital social and creative hub that’s bringing new footfall, supporting local businesses and generating real momentum in the town – and welcoming major headline acts like Nile Rodgers & CHIC and The Waterboys to its 2026 Music Weekender

* It will put local people, creativity and community pride at the heart of the town’s future, with a programme featuring arts, music, performance, heritage and wellbeing activities designed and delivered with residents, artists, businesses, schools and community organisations 

* And it will aim to attract more visitors, leaving a legacy beyond 2028 and complementing the ongoing transformation of Bootle Strand and the town centre

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, says: “Our UK Town of Culture 2028 bid is focused on local people, celebrating what makes Bootle unique, opening up opportunities for our young people, 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.”

Jamie adds: “Bootle’s getting back on its feet.

“It’s vibrant, it’s prosperous and, if we win this, the world is our oyster.”

You can find out more about Sefton Council’s Town of Culture 2028 bid for Bootle and why its well-known supporters are urging everyone to get behind it on this Made in Bootle podcast hosted by Leanne Campbell.

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