Marazion enters bid to be first UK Town of Culture

A town in west Cornwall that organisers say is one of the smallest in the country has entered the race to become the first UK Town of Culture in 2028.

Marazion, which overlooks Mounts Bay and is linked to St Michael's Mount, has submitted its application to hold the year-long celebration, alongside five other Cornish towns.

The government has invited bids to win a £3m prize to stage a year of cultural activities and support the creative sector locally.

Mayor of Marazion John Nicholas said it was the town's "smallness that allows us to be proper prepared and create a 2028 that will go down in history as one of the greatest events Cornwall, and perhaps Britain, has ever held".

Nicholas added: "Amazingly talented people, extraordinary history, beautiful views, experience of delivering first class events and already steeped in a gurt [great] load of local culture.

"That is why Marazion is applying, and deserves to win, the UK Town of Culture competition."

The town, which has a population of 1,483, submitted its Celebration of Land and Sea Town of Culture bid to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on Tuesday, the closing date for applications.

Those behind the bid said the town planned to bring "unique innovation through sea-based culture embracing the thriving fishing, sailing, gig rowing and kite surfing that make the Mounts Bay area so special".

Newquay, Helston, Falmouth, Redruth and Penzance have also submitted bids.

The strongest bids will progress to a shortlist, with each shortlisted town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition.

Three finalists - one small, one medium and one large town - will be chosen.

The two runners-up will each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their bid, from refreshed community infrastructure to music festivals.

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