The town council has expressed its disappointment after Filton was unsuccessful in its bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture.
After almost 400 applicants from across the country, 15 towns were shortlisted for the bid to claim the title.
Simon Davies, Filton Town Council clerk said: “It was disappointing to hear that Filton wasn’t shortlisted for the UK’s first Town of Culture in 2028.
“I would like to thank residents and organisations who reached out to back the initial stages of the bid.
“Although we didn’t go through to the next stage, we were able to build what I
hope to be long-term partnerships with local organisations for future projects, and perhaps another bid for Town of Culture in a few years’ time.
“Some of the background work and initial ideas from the bid can be used to improve the cultural offering locally. So, the time wasn’t wasted.
“On behalf of the council, I wish all the best to the towns shortlisted and look forward to the programme in whichever town is awarded the UK’s first Town of Culture in 2028.”
Just fifteen towns will now compete for the title. The shortlisted towns are:
Small towns: Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, and Stockton Town Centre Ward
Medium towns: Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, and Port Talbot
Large towns: Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham.
Each shortlisted town will receive £60,000 to develop their full bids, which will be assessed by the independent judging panel. One finalist will be selected from each category with the overall winner being announced early next year.
The winning town will win £3 million to deliver a culture programme and two runners- up will win £250,000.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “The fact that we received so many applications just goes to show how proud people are of their towns. When I launched this competition, I wanted to shine a light on our amazing towns all across the UK and the huge contribution they make to our national life.
“I am so glad that so many towns have applied and I hope each and every town, whether they have been shortlisted or not, is incredibly proud of the work they have done to champion their local community.”