Harrogate Town Council has thanked the town's cultural organisations, businesses and community groups after Harrogate missed out on a place on the shortlist for the UK Town of Culture 2028 competition.
Whilst the bid will not progress to the next stage, the council says the process has helped strengthen partnerships across the town and laid the foundations for future cultural projects.
The bid brought together organisations, businesses and community groups to showcase Harrogate's cultural strengths and shared vision for the future.
Mayor of Harrogate, Councillor Viv Poskitt, said:
“Naturally, we are disappointed not to have made the final shortlist for the Town of Culture title.
"Our bid showcased the incredible depth of talent, history and community spirit that defines Harrogate.
"I would like to give my personal thanks to everyone from our cultural organisations, business partners and community groups who poured their passion into this application.
"Special thanks must go to Harrogate International Festivals, who, during their busy 60th anniversary year, contributed vision, ideas and practical support to help complete the application on time.
"I also congratulate the towns that have progressed to the next round and wish them well.”
Councillor Paula Stott, Chair of Harrogate Town Council's newly formed Culture, Events and Heritage Committee, said the work completed as part of the bid would continue to benefit the town.
She said:
“This is far from the end of the road.
"The work done to build this bid has catalysed a new era of cultural collaboration in our town and has helped to bring together Harrogate’s cultural and creative sector around a shared purpose.
"We have forged strong partnerships and developed a clear, ambitious vision for our local heritage which will not disappear with this decision.”
The council says the momentum created through the bid will now help shape preparations for Stray 250, the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of Harrogate's Stray in 2028.
It says it intends to work with partners to make the milestone anniversary a celebration of the town's culture, heritage, identity and creativity.
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