The first UK Town of Culture shortlist has been published. It lists Rotherham, Lerwick, the Isle of Bute, Leith, Pontypridd, Birkenhead and Strabane among the selected towns. These join six other towns to make a combined of 13 places chosen from 400 applications.
The ultimate title will be awarded in 2028. The winning town will receive a bundle of cultural investment and countrywide promotion. The bid strives to enhance creativity and visitor numbers across the picked communities.