Two more Derbyshire contenders emerge in contest to be named UK Town of Culture
With a fortnight to go until the first deadline of the competition two neighbouring towns in the Derbyshire Dales are set to lodge rival bids, showing how they punch above their weight in the county’s rural heart.
Community representatives for Matlock and Wirksworth are both assembling their initial case for the Government-run competition, joining Belper, Bolsover, Buxton, Clay Cross and a joint Alfreton-Heanor-Ripley effort in the race to win £3million of investment in cultural programmes.
Both Dales towns boast distinctive cultures with centuries-old roots but their bids might also highlight how they make the best of themselves given a relative lack of resources in the modern day.
From the beloved High Tor Players, who have entertained audiences since 1937, to the imaginative storytelling café and lively festivals like SmedFest and the upcoming Pride in the Peak, Matlock’s arts and cultural offerings can be considered truly impressive for a town of its size – even more so if one includes the nearby Level Centre for disability arts and the many quirks of Matlock Bath.
Yet the town itself currently lacks a central community space or dedicated arts venue – and the town’s bid will aim to address that and ignite new possibilities for residents and visitors alike.
Town councillor Jen Lowthrop, part of the bid committee, said: "Matlock has so much it already offers, but so much potential for how we could bring arts to the forefront to bring us all together and imagine a better future for everyone.
“Organising SmedFest last year showed just what was possible - the joy and togetherness that comes from these kinds of events is what we want to cultivate more of in Matlock.”
She added: “Matlock is ready to demonstrate why our town deserves the prestigious UK Town of Culture title – and in doing so, unlock new avenues for growth, creativity, and community pride.”
Whether Matlock ultimately progresses in the competition or not, application organisers want the process to be a unifying force, inspiring residents to envision the town's future development and potential.
Mayor Marilyn Franks said: “Matlock Town Council are really excited to apply to be the first UK Town of Culture. This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and showcase all that makes Matlock unique and special, from its historical origins to contemporary arts, music and culture.
“We hope everyone will unite and demonstrate the best of Matlock and its townsfolk.”
Matlock residents and stakeholders are invited to share their ideas at an open meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 6.30-8pm at the Imperial Rooms. Feedback can also be provided online via https://forms.gle/SyCmQi7HcEPjBkdM8.
Down the road in Wirksworth, a group of 25 residents has been working together with the town council for several weeks already.
Their consultation work has confirmed great local enthusiasm in the for events of all kinds, from the well dressings and the carnival to the Wirksworth Festival, the regular goings-on at the recently revamped Wirksworth Heritage Centre, Haarlem Artspace and the Northern Light Cinema, or visitor draws like the annual Wizarding Day.
Town councillor Alison Clamp said: “We believe Wirksworth is a unique town not only in terms of its history and architecture but also in the way that local people ‘get things done’. I am constantly amazed at how generous local people are with their time and energy. This helps us punch above our weight’.
But the discussions have also shown also gaps in the provision of facilities and activities, especially for children and young people, and so those generations will be a key focus of the bid.
Outline expressions of interest must be submitted to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport by March 31, with shortlisted entrants eligible for £60,000 bid development grants.