THE CO-ORDINATOR of Evesham’s failed bid to become the UK’s first ever Town of Culture said she was determined to ensure positive things would come of the attempt.
The bid, led by Evesham Place Board in partnership with Evesham Town Council and Wychavon District Council, celebrated the town’s rich history and natural landscape under the theme ‘Centuries of Stories’, inspired by the River Avon.
Ashleigh Jayes, manager of the Almonry Museum who spearheaded the bid, admitted she ‘felt gutted’ at the result but added: “While we are disappointed in not being shortlisted this is not the end for us.
“We entered this competition because we believe passionately in our town.
“We see and acknowledge the issues Evesham faces but we also see the potential.
“Culture, and access to culture is a huge driver for regeneration and goes hand-in-hand with economic development.”
Manager of Almonry Museum Ashleigh Jayes, Charlotte Hampson, deputy chair of Evesham Place Board and Claire Edwards, Wychavon project officer, put Evesham forward for the UK Town of Culture 2028 competition. Picture by Marcus Mingins 1826010MMR
She said the team was reflecting on the bid and the Town of Culture process but was already focusing on next steps and what could be done to help and support Evesham.
“We are already looking at developing a cultural strategy that will bring together artists, venues, events, businesses and communities to create a supportive, inclusive and proactive environment that supports growth, development and participation in local culture.”
At the time of the bid, she said Evesham was at a ‘pivotal point’ with the development potential of the Riverside Shopping Centre, Round House and the Almonry restoration project.
And she said, while it demonstrated a high level of economic development confidence in Evesham, ‘cultural infrastructure was needed to underpin it all’.
Last Thursday, the Government’s Department for Media, Culture and Sport announced its shortlist of the 15 towns to make it through the first round from almost 400 applicants.
As well as Evesham, fellow Worcestershire towns Malvern, Droitwich and Redditch also failed to make it through.
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Coun Richard Morris, Wychavon District Council leader agreed there was disappointment Evesham and Droitwich had not been selected to progress and thanked everyone involved.
“Both bids did exactly what they set out to do by showcasing the creativity, ambition, cultural assets and community spirit that make our towns such special places.
“The partnerships, ideas and momentum created through this process can be built on to deliver lasting benefits for both towns.”
Inspired by the success of the flagship UK City of Culture, the competition aims to celebrate towns and restore civic pride across the nation.
If successful the town would have been awarded £60,000 to develop a full application for submission in the autumn.
The shortlisted small towns are Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, and Stockton Town Centre Ward. The medium towns are Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, and Port Talbot and the large towns are Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham.
One of these will be named UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive a £3million funding pot, while the other two finalists will each receive £250,000 to deliver a programme of cultural activity in 2028.
