Could Oldham become the UK’s first ‘Town of Culture’?

Oldham bosses are eyeing up a bid for the borough to become the UK’s first ‘Town of Culture’ title. There are calls for the area to enter the new competition.

The council is reportedly giving ‘serious thought’ to entering the government-led award, which comes with a £3.5m prize.

St James councillor Josh Charters has called for Oldham to be entered to ‘celebrate the town’s shared history and cultural life’, which includes the Oldham Coliseum and Pennine Sound Studios, where Joy Division recorded the first ever version of ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’. 

Cllr Charters said: “Oldham has a rich and diverse cultural heritage. From the many actors and performers who have taken to the stage at the Oldham Coliseum, to the bands and musicians who have emerged from our town, and even to the heady days of Oldham’s time in the Premier League, culture has played a meaningful role in shaping local pride and identity. 

“A Town of Culture bid would allow us not only to celebrate this history but also to encourage and inspire more young people to engage in cultural and creative pursuits.” 

He also praised organisations such as Oldham Theatre Workshop, which has ‘helped people access creative opportunities, supporting them away from crime and anti-social behaviour’. 

Asked if the local authority would consider nominating Oldham, the council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, coun Peter Dean, said: “UK Town of Culture is a great opportunity, and we are giving serious thought to applying this year. Oldham has a strong cultural offer with lots of investment in cultural regeneration, which would make us a strong candidate.

“A final decision has not yet been made, and this will be discussed with the wider Oldham Cultural Partnership Board.”

Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, announced the new competition in October last year to complement the existing ‘City of Culture’ awards. At the time, Nandy stated that ‘for far too long, too many people have felt left out of our national story’, with only places with city-status eligible to enter. 

The first winner will receive a £3.5m prize fund to deliver a cultural programme in 2028.