A Stoke-on-Trent town is bidding to be the first UK Town of Culture. 

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has announced that Longton is bidding to be the first town to be named UK Town of Culture in a new competition launched by Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy. 

The winning town will receive £3.5 million to deliver a cultural project in 2028 while shortlisted towns will receive £60,000. 

A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: "Longton is bidding to be the first UK Town of Culture. 

"Its pottery heritage, creative industry, public artworks and growing arts and music scene give the town a character you can't find anywhere else. 

Longton is home to the Gladstone Pottery Museum (image via Nub News)

"Urban Wilderness CIC - who helped shape the People's Parade - are leading the bid with local partners, building on work already underway in Longton Exchange and across the town centre. 

"The bid will attract visitors, drive investment and support culture and economy across Longton as well as the wider city." 

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Urban Wilderness CIC, who are leading the bid, organised a range of events in Longton last year including the Pig Parade in April, The People's Parade in June and the Winter Gathering in December.

Urban Wilderness CIC organised The Winter Gathering event in December (image via Urban Wilderness)

They have also been running community volunteer workshops for adults currently out of work or unable to work for around three years. 

Following the announcement of the new Town of Culture competition, Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said: "For far too long, too many people have felt left out of our national story. 

"These competitions are our chance to change that by shining a light on the places that have shaped our cultural life, but haven't always had the recognition they deserve."