Sefton Council is submitting a bid for Bootle to become the UK’s first Town of Culture. Announced earlier this month, the UK Town of Culture is a competition targeted towns of all sizes across the country. The overall winning town will be awarded £3 million to deliver a six-month cultural programme in 2028.

Community pride at the heart of the towns future 

Sefton’s bid puts local people, creativity and community pride at the heart of the town’s future. If successful, it will fund a programme featuring arts, music, performance, heritage and wellbeing activities designed and delivered with local residents, artists, businesses, schools and community organisations. The programme would aim to attract visitors, create opportunities for local talent, leave a lasting legacy beyond 2028 and complement the ongoing transformation of Bootle Strand and the town centre.

Social and creative hub

Sefton’s bid builds on Bootle’s thriving cultural scene, led by Salt and Tar. The venue already boasts major headline acts for its 2026 Music Weekender, including Nile Rodgers & CHIC and The Waterboys.

Salt and Tar has quickly established itself as a vital social and creative hub, bringing new footfall, supporting local businesses and generating real momentum in the town. Its community-led events and partnerships have strengthened local connections and shown how culture can drive regeneration and boost pride of place as the wider Strand transformation progresses.

Bootle Place Partnership Group 

To shape both the bid and its delivery, the Council is forming a Bootle Place Partnership Group to ensure a collaborative approach and an authentic local voice throughout. The group will include representatives from the local community and community groups, businesses, schools and local colleges. 

Bootle is bursting with community spirit 

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said: 

“Bootle is bursting with creativity, community spirit and a determination to shape its own future. 

“Our UK Town of Culture 2028 bid is focused on local people, celebrating what makes Bootle unique, opening up opportunities for our young people, creative talent 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.

“And becoming the first UK Town of Culture will be a great boost for the ongoing regeneration based around Bootle Strand.” 

Community is shaping the bid 

Over the coming months, Sefton Council will invite residents, artists, young people, community organisations, voluntary groups, educators and businesses to help shape the bid. This will be done through community conversations, workshops and ideas sessions.

Further details on how to get involved will be shared soon.