By Aine Patton

Limavady is considering a bid to become UK Town of Culture in 2028 after Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council unanimously backed proposal to explore the move.

The council passed a vote with no opposition for Limavady to be nominated for the prestigious award. Councillor, Aaron Callan proposed that the application for the award should be started now as the deadline for an expression of interest was on March 31. Mr Callan said Limavady should be put forward for the award due to its deep cultural heritage.

He said: “I think Limavady has a very distinctive cultural story and voice that speaks to the local pride and also to a wider narrative.”

The Limavady alderman said: “We also have a very well-established arts and culture centre in the centre of town and a number of key events that happen throughout the year.”

Mr Callan highlighted the Steinbeck festival and the Stendhal festival. Limavady is home to several community hubs such as the Limavady Cricket & Rugby Club, Golfing in Benone and The Roe Valley Leisure Centre.

“We also have a huge range of local groups who are very active in the area,” Mr Callan said.

As well as facilities, Mr Callan said the people of Limavady have shown in the past that culture could bring people together and could contribute to the town’s story.

“It could be a focal point for community planning pride, bring together residents, community groups, young and old, to share in Limavady’s past, present and the future,” he said.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) issued guidance for applications to the UK Town of Culture 2028award. Their website described that for the expression of interest applications, towns should be able to showcase a broad definition of culture and its creative industries.

The website states that, “We want local stories and the unique character of places to shine through in bids. We expect bidders to showcase the strengths of the cultural offer in the area.”

Mr Callan referenced this in his proposal to council.

“In every aspect I think Limavady ticks the box,” he said.

There could also be economic benefits towinning the UK Town of Culture 2028 award. Mr Callen explained that when Derry City won the UK City Of Culture award in 2013, It created “overnight stays, generated additional spend, higher hotel occupancy and boosted the city’s image”.

In applying this to Limavady for the award, he said that for Limavady there was a “potential return of £3.5 million”.

The proposal passed unanimously, with no objections. Other councillors shared their agreement in applying for the award for Limavady with one saying that Limavady had “a lot to offer”. A second member said Limavady’s cultural strengthdidn’t just lie in “rich landscapes and sceneries”, but in its people.”

A case will now be prepared for Limavady as an expression of interest for the UK Town of Culture 2028 award.

More information on guidance for bidders for the award can be found on the DCMS website. Additional information on Limavady arts, music and culture can be found at the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre on Main Street.