Rochdale could join bid for UK Culture Capital title

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The Bluetones - Feel Good Festival 2009

Rochdale could work with other councils across the region to become Britain’s capital of culture in the UK version of the prestigious title.

Government plans will see areas compete every four years to host a 12 month long arts programme with the first title in 2013. And in a surprise move Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw said neighbouring towns could also come together to form a larger bid, instead of just cities.

The expanding European border means a UK city will not have the opportunity to compete for the existing title until 2032 at the earliest.

Mr Bradshaw said: “Culture is something we are incredibly good at in the UK. But excellence and innovation in the arts does not begin and end inside the M25.

“So this competition aims to find a city or area outside London which has the wow factor, with exciting and credible plans to make a step change in its cultural life and engage in the whole country.

“Liverpool’s success last year brought pride, confidence and real economic regeneration to the area.”

The UK version — like the European title — will not see a pot of cash available for the winner. Instead, BBC coverage of the area will provide publicity worth £200 million — and officials would be expected to use the spotlight it shines to attract private investment.

But hosting a number of high profile events such as the Turner Prize, the Brit music awards, film awards and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, as Liverpool did during the year would become an integral part of the festival.

An outline application must be submitted by October 16 and initial bids by December 11. A shortlist of areas will be announced early next year.