A campaign to showcase the very best of Teesside is under way, with residents urged to back a bid that could secure a historic Town of Culture title.
Stockton was shortlisted for the UK Town of Culture 2028 competition in July, making the final 15 from almost 400 entries nationwide.
The bid is built around Connection, Creativity and Confidence, and highlights Stockton’s historical influence, including the first passenger train and John Walker’s invention of the friction match.
The newly formed Stockton Community Collective, made up of more than 40 cultural and business organisations plus the council, is urging locals to back the bid.
Stockton will host events and launch an online survey so locals can shape and support the bid before it is submitted in November.
The national competition is part of the Government’s Plan for Change and aims to boost growth, civic pride and access to arts and culture.
The winning town will receive £3 million to deliver a major cultural programme in 2028, while each runner-up will get £250,000.
Visitors to Stockton town centre may already have spotted the 'Anything Anywhere' band entertaining shoppers and asking about the town’s future.
September and October events will include an outdoor dance social by Urban Kaos, the return of The Gathering Sounds festival and storytelling sessions at the Sun Inn led by Mike McGrother.
Those unable to attend can complete an online survey about what makes Stockton a great place to live and what the title could unlock.
Councillor Lisa Evans, leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "Being shortlisted for this prestigious accolade from such a high number of entries was wonderful news for Stockton town – but now we want to win it, and we deserve to win it.
"This is OUR town, OUR time.
"There is so much for us to be proud of in Stockton, from the rich history that has shaped our story and culture to our unique and hugely popular festivals and celebrations, like the Stockton International Riverside Festival which just enjoyed its first year based in the magnificent new Stockton Waterfront urban park.
"But it's not just about the town, it's about the people - the people who live there, who work there, who visit and enjoy everything Stockton has to offer."
Cllr Evans added that organisers wanted views from all ages and backgrounds - especially town-centre residents and workers - as children and young people will shape the bid.
Jimmy Beck, owner of Stockton's KU Bar and founder of KU Promotions, said: "Stockton town centre boasts a long tradition for putting on exceptional live music, with some of the world's biggest acts famously playing here such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
"To be crowned Town of Culture 2028 would give us the chance to crank the volume up further to remind the world what a fantastic culture of live music this town offers and help champion the artists of tomorrow."
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Claire Meek, Family Action’s deputy director of services and innovation (North), said: "It is vital that the bid reflects the perspectives of the communities it seeks to benefit, and we are committed to helping ensure those local voices are heard and represented throughout."
The finalists and overall winner of the UK Town of Culture competition will be revealed early next year.
For more information on the Stockton Borough Council Town of Culture survey, visit: Help shape Stockton's Town of Culture bid - Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council - Citizen Space
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