SAFFRON Walden has raised its profile through a bid to become UK Town of Culture, despite not being successful.
The town council was notified in July that Saffron Walden was not shortlisted for the 2028 title.
Led by the town council, with support from Uttlesford Council, the application brought together charities, businesses, schools, and residents in a collaboration to celebrate the town’s culture and heritage.
Lisa Courtney, town clerk, said: "Although not successful, we must note and acknowledge the hard work of everyone involved in pulling our application together and for continuously raising Saffron Walden’s profile through this process over the last five months.
"We should be proud that we were in a position as a town to make the bid.
"It was a very interesting and collaborative process and we will harness that passion and enthusiasm to move forward and build on the valuable work we have completed to date.
"Thank you to everyone who has taken part and supported our bid."
The bid process included the creation of a digital postcard for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), now viewable on the UK Town of Culture Digital Map.
Saffron Hall’s chief executive, Angela Dixon, said: "The process has shone a light on the huge range of activity, creativity and community groups that make this such a special place to live.
"Whatever the outcome, this has helped showcase the passion, talent and community spirit constantly present in this town and given a focus to future collaborative work."
A total of 15 towns have been shortlisted for the inaugural title.
In the small towns category are Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, and Stockton Town Centre Ward.
Medium towns shortlisted include Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, and Port Talbot.
In the large towns category, Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby, and Rotherham are in the running.
Read more
Saffron Walden Town Council has congratulated Basildon and wished all shortlisted towns success as the competition continues.
The town council said it will continue to build on the momentum and partnerships developed during the application process.
The full bid is available to read on the Saffron Walden Town Council website.
Share