Pontypridd, Birkenhead and Isle of Bute among shortlist for first UK Town of Culture

"The fact that we received so many applications just goes to show how proud people are of their towns."

— Lisa Nandy , Politician

"It has been fantastic that nearly 400 towns have come forward, sharing their sense of pride, ambition and desire to demonstrate how much they have, and continue to contribute to our national story."

— Sir Phil Redmond , Celebrity