THERE was disappointment in Watchet on Friday (July 10) after news that it had missed out on the next stage of the first-ever ‘UK Town of Culture’ award.

Watchet Town Council was one of nine Somerset towns which submitted a small towns category bid in the first round hoping to be shortlisted for a £60,000 Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) grant to develop a fuller case.

But, they were all unsuccessful as the DCMS chose Ilfracombe to be the only Westcountry community to go on its 15-name shortlist.

The others shortlisted in Watchet’s category were Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, and Stockton Town Centre Ward

The eventual winners will receive £3 million of Government investment, with £250,000 going to the runner-up.

The contest was seen as a ‘once in a generation opportunity’ for Watchet to tell its unique thousand-year history shaped by the sea, the railway, and a long tradition of making and mutual support.

With a strong cultural anchor on the East Quay and more than 70 community groups in the town, it was seen locally as an ideal candidate.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “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.”

Watchet Mayor Cllr Loretta Whetlor told the Free Press the town council was still waiting to officially hear the result and to find out the reasons why it was not selected.

Cllr Whetlor said: “It is a great disappointment that Watchet did not get considered, but we wish Ilfracombe the best.

“It would have meant a great deal for us to even be considered for the £60,000 for the full business case.

“If it comes up again I am sure that, as Watchet gets bigger, we will be back in there.

“We are disappointed that we did not get through the first phase but glad that we have taken part.

“Watchet Town Council will still be doing great things for our town anyway.

“We have recently opened the wheeled park and we have proved that we can get things done.

“We are a small town with a big heart.

“It is a case of onward and upward.”

Cllr Whetlor said Watchet had last year entered the best council awards run by the National Association of Local Councils and although it did not win, it still meant the town was being recognised on a larger stage by being part of it.

‘UK Town of Culture’ will have three winners for the best small, medium, and large communities which will be chosen next year to hold the status for 2028.

Nine Somerset towns entered, among 400 nationally, with the others being Bridgwater, Taunton, Yeovil, Frome, Glastonbury, Wells, Bruton, and Shepton Mallet.

DCMS saw the award as an opportunity for small towns to showcase their unique story and deliver a community-led cultural programme, on a smaller scale to the existing ‘City of Culture’.