Bootle aims for Town of Culture status with local legends backing the bid
Sports and music stars support Sefton Council's ambitious cultural proposal
Local football and music icons are uniting to support Bootle's bid to become the UK's first Town of Culture as part of an initiative by Sefton Council.
On Thursday, 19th March, from 3pm to 5pm at Kingsley & Co café, legendary former Liverpool FC player Jamie Carragher, England Lioness Alex Greenwood, The Farm bassist Carl Hunter, and Red Rum Club vocalist Fran Doran will be available for interviews to discuss their involvement as "Bootle Bid Backers."
The bid aims to secure a £3 million funding pot to deliver a six-month cultural programme in 2028, elevating Bootle's status and nurturing local talent.
Bootle-born Greenwood and other ambassadors will emphasize how the Town of Culture designation could invigorate the area through cultural engagements, supporting regeneration and celebrating community pride.
Sefton Council's Cllr Paulette Lappin is overseeing the bid and highlighting how it can leverage Bootle's creative spirit for long-lasting positive change.
Community pride fuels Bootle's cultural ambition
The bid aims to root Bootle's cultural strategy in local creativity and pride, offering arts, music, heritage, and wellbeing activities coordinated with community stakeholders.
Sefton's bid builds on Bootle's vibrant cultural scene, led by establishments like Salt and Tar, known for hosting major events and fostering community ties.
As part of the effort, workshops and focus groups are engaging local voices to shape Bootle's cultural future authentically.
A place partnership for progress
A Place Partnership Group will soon be formed to continuously align the cultural strategy with community insights, ensuring accountability and collaboration.
These community-driven efforts will guide bid development and ensure Bootle's cultural strategy reflects its people's lived realities and aspirations.
The Town of Culture status is seen as a key milestone in Bootle's ongoing transformation and revitalization.