THE town will continue to hold culture at the heart of its future, despite missing out on a nationwide competition.
Hexham was one of five Northumberland towns to apply for the first ever UK Town of Culture title, but none progressed to the final stage.
Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, which hosts various cultural events from music to comedy, has spoken of its disappointment, after it was announced Hexham had lost the bid.
Katy Taylor, artistic director and chief executive at Queen’s Hall Arts, said: "While we're disappointed not to have been shortlisted, we're incredibly proud of the bid and grateful to everyone who supported it.
"The process reinforced what we already know: Hexham has a thriving cultural scene, with fantastic organisations, artists, volunteers and events that enrich the town all year round.
"We'll continue working with our partners to build on that success and ensure culture remains at the heart of Hexham's future."
Berwick, Alnwick, Blyth, and Amble also submitted entries.
Across the UK, 398 bids were submitted, but only 15 made the shortlist.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "The fact that we received so many applications just goes to show how proud people are of their towns.
"When I launched this competition, I wanted to shine a light on our amazing towns all across the UK and the huge contribution they make to our national life.
"I am so glad that so many towns have applied, and I hope each and every town, whether they have been shortlisted or not, is incredibly proud of the work they have done to champion their local community."
The shortlisted towns are Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, Stockton Town Centre Ward, Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, Port Talbot, Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby, and Rotherham.
Each will receive £60,000 to develop a full proposal for the next round.
Three category winners, one each from the small, medium, and large town groups, will be chosen, with one going on to become the UK Town of Culture 2028.
The winner will receive a £3 million government grant to deliver a season of cultural events.
The remaining two category winners will be named finalists and awarded £250,000 each to deliver part of their proposed cultural programme.
The overall winner will be announced early next year.
The Queen's Hall venue has a jam-packed line-up of summer events. For more information, go to https://www.queenshall.co.uk/whats-on
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