ST HELENS has been announced as the first Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Borough of Culture.

The honour coincides with St Helens celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

Under the 1% for Culture Programme, Liverpool City Region has become the first in the country to commit to spending the equivalent of 1% of its annual £30 million devolution funding from government to support cultural activities.

These activities will include:

  • £200k to support an annual Borough of Culture programme, with St Helens named as the first Borough of Culture.  The title will be held on a rotating basis by all of the Combined Authority’s constituent local authorities.
  • £30k allocated for the Liverpool City Region Cultural Awards. Additional funding will be acquired for the awards through developing sponsorship opportunities.
  • £70k allocated for the development and delivery of region wide events (themed to celebrate and highlight the city region)

Speaking about the announcement, Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “It is particularly fitting that St Helens should become our first Borough of Culture this year, as they celebrate their 150th anniversary.  I know they have a very exciting programme of cultural events planned for the year ahead.

“In my manifesto I talked about the value of culture to the success of the Liverpool City Region. 

"I believe that culture and creativity are integral to our international profile and brand and integral to achieving the vision for a prosperous, fair and exciting place to live, work and invest.

"The Borough of Culture celebrations are just one element of boosting culture and creativity across the whole of the city region.”

Cllr Barrie Grunewald, leader of St Helens Council, described the announcement as "brilliant".

More to follow