Halton Borough Council has launched a bid for Widnes to become the UK’s first-ever Town of Culture in 2028 with its ‘All roads lead to Widnes’ campaign.

Inspired by the success of the flagship UK City of Culture, this competition aims to spotlight the cultural contribution of towns to our national story.

The winning town will be awarded £3 million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028 of around six months. Additionally, the two finalists from their category will receive £250,000 each to deliver elements of their bid. For those towns that are shortlisted £60,000 will be made available to work up a full proposal.

If successful the council will commission a programme of activities, events and touchpoints celebrating all aspects of the Widnes story, from our historic beginnings, including the Vikings, Industry, West Bank Promenade/Spike Island, Bridges, Rugby and Music heritage.

This will cover Widnes Station through to Victoria Park, the stadium, Widnes Town Centre, Victoria Square through to Westbank, Catalyst and Spike Island, ending at Pickering’s Pasture – leading the public through the town from station to foreshore.

Cllr Laura Bevan, the Council’s Executive Board member for Employment Learning, Skills and Community, said: “Widnes has a proud and rich cultural history, from being the beating heart of the global chemical industry to the huge impact we’ve made on the music scene, and our proud and impressive sporting heritage.

“Culture, history and heritage are truly woven into the fabric of this town – Widnes has it all and that is why we are extremely excited to submit our bid for Town of Culture 2028 and create an opportunity to reignite pride and recapture the imagination of our incredible communities.

“Cultural investment brings people together, boosts local businesses, sparks creativity and opens minds to new ideas.

“They say all roads lead to Widnes — and through this bid, we hope to showcase our town’s story, our ambition and our bright future to the widest possible audience.”

The six-month programme will align with all HBC Strategic Priorities outlined in ‘Halton: Our Community, Our Priorities, Our Future’, all events and activities will be accessible, communicated, dynamic in approach and leadership with a range of diverse events and activities for the whole community.

All Roads Lead to Widnes! Now it is time for the Town of Culture to find its way here.

The council will also be developing an entry for Daresbury – so watch this space.