Sefton will be named Liverpool City Region’s Borough of Culture in 2020 and wants ideas from communities, partners and businesses to ensure next year’s programme reflects the cultural diversity of the borough.
As Sefton always prides itself on being a borough of storytellers, the 2020 cultural programme will focus on stories about its people, places, history and the future.
Planning is well underway for 2020 and Sefton Council, who is providing the framework to connect these stories, events, activities and initiatives together, is urging people to get in touch with their ideas.
The aim is to build on the great things that already happen in Sefton and combine exciting existing events with some new ones, whilst supporting the promotion of those planned by partners and communities.
Executive Director Stephen Watson, Sefton’s project sponsor for Borough of Culture 2020 status, said: “We’ve already started talking to our communities and partners and we’re hearing some great ideas, which is also giving us a better understanding about what culture means to them.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase and build on Sefton’s already distinct cultural offer and we want to develop a programme that is focused on stories about us, by us, for us – ultimately with the aim of delivering positive outcomes for the whole borough.
“We’re open to new ideas and would love to hear them. With your help, we will ensure our programme is inclusive to all and will engender connectivity, pride and belonging across the borough.”
Anyone who would like to submit an idea can email BOC2020@sefton.gov.uk. Deadline is Friday May 17.
For more information about Sefton’s offer as an exciting place to live, work, visit and invest in, log onto www.sefton.gov.uk or www.mysefton.co.uk.
The Borough of Culture initiative is part of the Liverpool City Region’s 1% for Culture Programme, which involves a commitment from the LCR to spend the equivalent of 1% of its annual £30m devolution funding from government to support cultural activities. Wirral currently holds the status for 2019.
The five key principles that the LCR will expect Sefton to demonstrate during its year are: a focus on children and young people; positive outcomes; community participation; showcases the distinctiveness of Sefton; and leaves a legacy for cultural infrastructure.

I’ve got a good idea for Sefton! Stay in Sefton, Lancashire’s green and pleasant land is for agriculture not an over spill building site for Sefton! I note Labour has but it’s local controversial development plans on hold, there must be an election coming up, don’t be fooled by this! You gets what you vote for!