2026 marks the first ever Town of Culture Award, a prestigious award building on the success of the City of Culture Awards.
Culture is all around us, particularly in the wonderful town of Longton, a place where culture does not just sit in museums but runs through everyday life. Longton stands proud in its heritage and its future.
We are incredibly lucky to have passionate locals such as Urban Wilderness and Longton Exchange, and many more, who are the driving force behind Longton’s bid.
Please email me at allison.gardner.mp@parliament.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Longton’s culture is inseparable from its history. The people of Longton made a significant contribution to the UK’s heritage and culture through our proud pottery industry, which to this day still ships British products all over the world. Longton was once at the beating heart of the industry, and visitors from all over the world now come to marvel at our pottery heritage at the beloved Gladstone Pottery Museum, home of “The Great Pottery Throw Down”.
But Longton’s heritage is not just a relic of its past. The skills, creativity and pride forged through generations of pottery and craft continue to shape our future. The ceramics industry has faced real challenges, but there is an enormous opportunity to grow tourism and breathe new life into our many heritage buildings.
Aimed at small and medium towns, this award aims to shine a spotlight on the important role towns play on a national level.
Lisa Nandy, Culture Secretary, has encouraged towns across the UK to tell their unique story, highlighting what makes them special. It is a chance to help them deliver a cultural programme during the summer of 2028, harnessing what sets their town apart from the rest.
The winning town will receive £3.5 million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028.
You can show your support by sharing your stories on social media using the hashtag #LongtonTownOfCulture #Longton28 #StraightOutOfLongton.
You can find other ways to support the application here
Applications for the competition will be judged on three main criteria:
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Promoted by Barry Schofield on behalf of Allison Gardner both at 69 The Strand, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 2NS