EMERSONS Green has missed the cut in the race to be named UK Town of Culture 2028.
The town council was one of 398 to apply for the government-run competition, a companion to the established City of Culture programme.
It was one of 42 contenders from the South West in the small town category: just one, Ilfracombe in Devon, made the shortlist of 15 and will now be given £60,000 each to develop a full bid.
To apply each town had to send in a digital postcard and a theme for their bid, listing some of their strengths.
Emersons Green’s postcard started with the message: “Where roots run deep and futures grow.
“Community is at the heart of everything we do. From allotments and youth provision to open spaces, we are a diverse, evolving area with a rich history, shaped by green spaces and our commitment to the environment.”
Emersons Green Town Council was invited by the office of Filton & Bradley Stoke constituency MP Claire Hazelgrove to submit a bid.
A spokesperson said the concept bid was developed by council staff, with input from councillors, businesses and community partners around the theme ‘Growing Culture Together’, with the intention of showing that culture in the area extends to “heritage, creativity, sustainability, learning, wellbeing, and community participation”.
The council highlighted cultural events including the musical Ham Farm Festival, 2025’s Sustainable Fashion Show, alongside the creation of a community orchard, EarthFest events such as the installation of a wicker dinosaur in Emersons Green Park, and the council’s youth programme.
Mayor James Hunt said: “It was a privilege to represent Emersons Green on the national stage.
“The bidding process provided an opportunity to celebrate the rich culture, strong community spirit and ambitious vision that already exists across our parish.
“It showcased how Emersons Green is bringing established and emerging communities together while continuing to grow into an even more vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive place to live, work and visit.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “The fact that we received so many applications just goes to show how proud people are of their towns.
“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.”
UK Town of Culture Chair Sir Phil Redmond described the response to the competition as “overwhelming” and praised the “exceptionally strong and diverse range of applications” received from across the country.