Greater Manchester Town of Culture

The Town of Culture accolade will be an annual award highlighting the distinctive creativity and diversity of one of Greater Manchester’s many towns, putting a spotlight on the remarkable art, culture and heritage that exists across Greater Manchester.

The award is based on the UK City of Culture concept, which was introduced in 2009 by Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, when he was Culture Secretary, built on the success of Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2008.

Stalybridge in Tameside is the Town of Culture for 2022. The Tameside town will receive a £50,000 grant from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Culture Fund to develop a programme of cultural events and activities celebrating the unique heritage of Stalybridge and bring new opportunities for residents and visitors.

Find out more about the current Town of Culture here: Stalybridge Town of Culture 2022 (tameside.gov.uk)

Bury was Greater Manchester’s inaugural Town of Culture in 2020 and held the title during 2021 throughout the COVID 19 pandemic. The town curated and delivered a hybrid programme of live and virtual events, including the Happy Festival and the two-week Burrs Live festival.

The £50,000 investment from the GMCA was more than tripled by additional funding from Bury Council, Arts Council England and the Victoria Wood Foundation, and the town is now developing a Culture Strategy to build upon the legacy of the award.