Stoke-on-Trent City Council has said the "pride and vision for the future will carry on regardless" as Longton fails to make the shortlist for UK Town of Culture.

Only 15 towns out of almost 400 applications have been shortlisted to be named the first UK Town of Culture.

Longton's bid was initiated by Longton Exchange and was led by Urban Wilderness CIC, who brought together local organisations, businesses and residents behind a shared vision for the town.

After the shortlist was revealed, a spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: "A huge congratulations to the towns shortlisted for UK Town of Culture.

"Longton may not have made the shortlist but the pride and vision for the future will carry on regardless.

"Thank you to Urban Wilderness CIC for leading the bid and to everyone who supported the campaign.

"Our shared commitment to realising our ambition to continue to grow our ceramics tourism and build on the wide range of culture Longton and the wider city has to offer goes on!"

In a social media statement, a spokesperson for Urban Wilderness CIC said: "Huge congratulations to the 15 towns that made it onto the shortlist, and to everyone who put their heart and soul into bids across the country.

advertisement

"While Longton wasn't selected this time, we're incredibly proud of everything this process has achieved. It has brought together partners, businesses, community groups and residents with a shared ambition for the future of Longton and Stoke-on-Trent.

"The work certainly doesn't stop here. The ideas, partnerships and momentum we've built will continue to shape what's next, and we're excited to play our part in turning those ambitions into reality.

"A huge thank you to everyone who gave their time, ideas and enthusiasm throughout the process. It's been brilliant to see so many people working together, and we can't wait to keep building on everything we've started."

The 15 shortlisted towns for the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028 title 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

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "I want to say a massive congratulations to the fifteen shortlisted towns and I wish them luck in the next round of the competition.

"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."