19.12.19
Greater Manchester Town of Culture accolade awarded to Bury
With famous faces such as Victoria Wood, Danny Boyle, Howard Jacobson and Celia Birtwell calling it home, the town of Bury has been revealed as Greater Manchester’s inaugural Town of Culture.
Having been presented with this award, the town will see investment in 2020 totaling £120,000 designed to aid a burst of creativity in the town and across the borough. The local residents have been encouraged to create or take part in cultural events such as family days, festivals, exhibitions or opportunities to reflect on the local area’s heritage.
The Town of Culture accolade will be an annual award, designed to highlight the diversity and ultimate creativity of one of Greater Manchester’s many towns, putting a spotlight on the art, heritage and culture that exists across Greater Manchester.
On Wednesday evening (Dec 18th) at the Fusilier Museum in the town centre, the announcement was made by the broadcaster, actor and comedian Griff Rhys Jones OBE, the Not the Nine O'Clock News and Alas Smith and Jones performer currently appearing in Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at The Lowry in Salford Quays.
- Earn up to 16 CPD points, participate in workshops, seminars and innovation hubs on public service delivery
The award is based on the UK City of Culture concept, which began in 2009 by Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham.
Mr Burnham said: “We had a strong field of candidates and the people of Bury should be proud that their town has succeeded. We are sure that Bury will make a great success of its time in the spotlight and establish an award that that will help others across Greater Manchester long into the future.
“The UK City of Culture Concept has boosted the cultural offerings in places as diverse as Derry-Londonderry and Hull, with Coventry set for 2021. Now, here in Greater Manchester, every year a different special place will be awarded the accolade which we hope will result in boosts to tourism, cultural offerings and the night time economy.
“Whether you’re visiting the Fusilier Museum, watching a performance at The Met or listening to Elbow, Bury is already an important player on the Greater Manchester cultural scene – long may that continue now the town is officially our city-region’s Town of Culture.”