Castle joins race for £3.5m culture prize

'Unique' town prepares a 'strong case'

- Hayley Parker

NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME has joined Longton in bidding to become the UK's first ever Town of Culture.

Stoke-on-Trent’s neighbour has thrown its hat into the ring to take the newly-created title just days after Longton also announced its bid.

The Government says the competition will be targeted at small and medium sized towns, ‘enabling them to tell their unique story and shining a spotlight on the important role that towns play in our national life.

The winning town will receive £3.5 million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028. The other two finalists will each receive £250,000 to spend on events.

Newcastle-under-Lyme is hoping its ‘rich heritage, creativity and civic pride’ will impress the judges.