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Widnes Bids to Be UK's First Town of Culture 2028
25 Feb
Summary
- Widnes is bidding to become the UK's first Town of Culture in 2028.
- The town famously hosted the legendary Stone Roses gig at Spike Island in 1990.
- Widnes has a rich cultural heritage, including industrial history and music.
Widnes has officially submitted its bid to be recognized as the UK's first Town of Culture in 2028. The Halton Council highlighted the town's deep cultural roots, notably its role in staging the legendary Stone Roses concert at Spike Island in May 1990. This event, attended by up to 30,000 fans during the 'Madchester' era, is a mythologized show in rock history.
The bid, under the campaign "All Roads Lead To Widnes," aims to celebrate various facets of the town's identity. This includes its historical beginnings, industrial significance, and its impact on the music scene. The town is also noted for the potential songwriting location of Paul Simon's 'Homeward Bound' and early performances by Freddie Mercury with Ibex.
Halton Council expressed excitement for the bid, emphasizing that culture, history, and heritage are integral to Widnes. The winning town will receive £3 million to develop a cultural program spanning approximately six months in 2028, providing an opportunity to boost local pride and imagination.
