Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has called on the Welsh Government to support North Wales volunteers keen to put forward an application in the UK wide City of Culture competition.
The annual competition, delivered by the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in collaboration with the devolved administrations, was launched at the end of May and this year has been opened up to groups of smaller towns and communities.
Speaking during yesterday’s Business Statement in the Senedd, Darren said he has been approached by local volunteers keen to submit a bid and called on the Welsh Government to support them.
He said:
“The Welsh Government will be aware that, for UK City of Culture applications this year, the deadline for expressions of interest is coming up next month. For the first time ever, groups of small towns will be able to apply for city of culture status, rather than just larger cities.
“That obviously opens this opportunity up to many towns and villages across the whole of Wales. I've already been contacted by an enthusiastic group of volunteers in the Vale of Clwyd area and they are very much hoping that they can put a bid together to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity that it presents.
“I think it would be good if the Welsh Government could encourage these sorts of applications to come forward, and give some guidance to those smaller towns and communities, because, otherwise, I think we may miss this opportunity, and it would be great if Wales was able to seize it with both hands.”
Responding, the Welsh Government’s Trefnydd, who is responsible for Government business welcomed the interest in submitting an applications and said she will “ensure that any guidance or information that we are able to give to interested groups is given out.”
Conwy County Borough Council has since announced that it also has an interest in developing a bid.
Darren added:
“It would be wonderful to see this prestigious status awarded to towns and communities in North Wales so I will do all I can to work with stakeholders in both Conwy and Denbighshire and wish them every success.”
