Blackpool has been named on the longlist for the UK City of Culture 2029 title, making it Lancashire's sole representative - despite being a town.
The competition recognises places with a strong cultural offer and gives them the chance to secure significant investment, boost tourism and create new job opportunities.
Nine locations are in the running for the 2029 title: Blackpool, Inverness-Highland, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Swindon and Wrexham.
Despite being dubbed 'City of Culture', four of the nine locations on the long list are towns.
A Town of Culture competition has been launched by the government to run alongside the city one, with applications open now and the first winner coming in 2028.
'Blackpool has something for everybody'
Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Blackpool is bursting with culture and variety.
"We’ve just celebrated a week-long festival of circus and magic and are looking forward to welcoming the works of both Claude Monet and William Shakespeare in March, all of which is complemented by our year-round celebration of the art and culture of today and tomorrow.
“Our diverse culture and entertainment offer means Blackpool has something for everybody, from all age groups and backgrounds.
"Being named as the City of Culture 2029 would showcase the talent and creativity that we already have on our doorstep, making all our residents proud of our bold, vibrant and cultural town.
"To top it all off, 2029 would mark the 150th anniversary of one of Britain’s first and most loved mass arts displays – the Blackpool Illuminations.”
Each longlisted place will receive £60,000 to support the development of their full bid, up from £40,000 in the previous competition.
The winning location will receive a £10 million prize to help deliver a year-long programme of cultural events.
The three most impressive bids from places that reach the shortlist but are not selected as the winner will receive £125,000 each to help them to take forward elements of their bid.
A chance to show what makes a place unique
Lisa Nandy, culture secretary, said: "For far too long, opportunity has not been shared equally across the country.
"The UK City of Culture and new UK Town of Culture competitions recognise the enormous contributions made by communities all over the UK, who are all part of the story of who we are as a nation.
"I look forward to seeing what the nine longlisted places have in store as they progress in the competition.
"I also urge any towns thinking about entering the UK Town of Culture competition to seize this opportunity and get involved.
"It’s a chance to show the country what makes them unique and shine a spotlight on their cultural offer, enriching the lives of local people."
Sir Phil Redmond, chair of the expert advisory panel, said: "Once again, the UK City of Culture competition is providing bidders the opportunity to both demonstrate and experience a focused year, using culture as the creative catalyst for change, raising awareness and changing perceptions.
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Derry-Londonderry, Hull, Coventry, and more recently Bradford, have all demonstrated the quality and depth of cultural activity embedded across the UK, as well as the benefits of simply taking part."
Hosting the City of Culture has previously led to increased cultural participation, economic regeneration and a rise in local pride.
Bradford’s year as City of Culture saw more than 75 per cent of a 5,000-event programme delivered free, drawing in an audience of three million people.
More than 650 artists and organisations were involved, and more than 87,000 residents took part in activities.
The UK City of Culture 2029 winner will be announced later this year.
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