A GROUP of MPs are calling for a new annual title: ‘The Town of Culture’ and Bridgwater has been mentioned as an early candidate.

Every four years many of Britain’s urban regions compete for the title of UK city of culture; and now Yvette Cooper, MP for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford, and chairman of the Labour Towns group is leading a group of MPs calling for a similar title for Britain’s towns.

In her letter Mrs Cooper highlights that as the 2017 city of culture, Hull attracted more than £220m of investment, created 800 new jobs and opened 131 new businesses and attracted millions of tourists.

“The city of culture helped to boost the local economy and to foster an immense feeling of pride among residents,”the open letter signed by the MPs states.

“While towns are not exempt from applying for the city of culture title, only one town has made the shortlist previously, and small towns are simply not equipped to contend against major cities in a bidding process that is resource-intensive.

“That disqualifies huge parts of the country that are rich with cultural history and heritage.

“Towns already lose out from national arts and culture investment.

"Arts Council funding is more than four times higher on average in city constituencies than it is in town constituencies.”

Writing for The Observer, journalist Vanessa Thorpe looked at potential contenders for the award should it come to fruition; highlighting Huddersfield, Colchester and our Bridgwater.

She writes: “Bridgwater is a market town and inland port on the edge of the Somerset Levels near Taunton.

“The Monmouth Rebellion was subdued close by in 1685 at The Battle of Sedgemoor and it was a trading centre for bricks and tiles since the industrial revolution thanks to its canal. Key buildings include the Church of St Mary and the birthplace of Admiral Blake in 1598.

“Its Cultural USP is the annual, highly competitive and extravagant Guy Fawkes Carnival.”

Chris Hocking, Bridgwater Carnival publicity director gave his backing to the idea, saying Bridgwater would be a worthy contender.

“Obviously I think this is a tremendous idea and one which, I am sure, would receive whole hearted support from the town’s carnival fraternity and beyond," Mr Hocking said.

“Yet Bridgwater Carnival is just one of many organisations in the town which promotes and delivers high standards of culture and entertainment, and which are the envy of many communities throughout the land.

"The talent in this town is amazing as anyone who has ever witnessed the various shows and events staged annually by societies, groups, clubs and other organisations will surely testify.

“Also, we cannot overlook that Bridgwater was the first town in the country to have an Arts Centre.

“So, all things considered, there is no doubt in my mind Bridgwater surely would deserve the title ‘Town of Culture’ should this initiative ever become a reality.

"It would be terrific to bring this accolade to the ‘Home of Carnival’.”