Bootle in Merseyside has been named as Sefton Council’s official nominee to become the first-ever UK Town of Culture in 2028. Sefton Council launched the bid at a recent press event, stating the project aims to unlock new investment and celebrate the identity of the town. The deadline for initial interest is 31 March 2026, with a shortlist expected later this spring.
Four high-profile ambassadors known as Bootle Bid Backers are supporting the campaign, including football stars Jamie Carragher and Alex Greenwood MBE. They were joined by musicians Carl Hunter and Fran Doran at Kingsley & Co, a children’s bookshop in the Bootle Strand shopping centre. The council hopes to recruit a total of ten local figures to help promote the town’s creative history and future potential.
A winning town will be awarded £3 million to host a cultural programme lasting six months. According to the UK Government, the competition is designed to restore pride in local communities and highlight the artistic talent found in towns. Bootle is competing against several other areas in the region for the title, including Prescot, Widnes, and Birkenhead.
The bid follows the successful opening of Salt and Tar, a canalside venue that has already attracted over 11,000 visitors for music concerts. Work is also continuing to transform the Bootle Strand shopping centre into a modern space for shops, leisure, and public use. The winner of the cultural title will be officially announced in early 2027.
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