Macclesfield is bidding to be crowned the 2028 Town of Culture.

Earlier this month, the government officially launched the first ever UK Town of Culture competition.

Here in Treacle Town, the campaign is being spearheaded by the Macclesfield Culture Collective, a new group founded by local business owner and film director Thomas Broadhead.

He said: "Our town is rich with culture, culture of many different stripes, from weaving to live music via incredible food, sport and adventure in the hills surrounding us.

"I hope that in going for Town of Culture, we can pull together around a shared sense of pride and identity, and that culture can be clearly accessible to all members of our community."

Towns have until March 31 to submit their 'Expressions of Interest' in being named the 2028 Town of Culture.

Sir Phil Redmond will lead an expert panel, judging towns on the way they'll tell their unique story, how they'll bring everyone in a community together, and how towns will deliver on their vision.

The strongest bids will progress to a shortlist, with each shortlisted town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition.

Three finalists - one small, one medium, one large town - will be chosen with the winner being crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and receiving a £3 million prize.

On Wednesday, Bollington Brewery Tap played host to the first Macclesfield Culture Collective meetup as the group formally launched its bid.

Thomas added: "Since launching the bid, the response has been phenomenal. So many offers of support and help, so much expertise, experience and creativity.

"It's incredibly positive and uplifting to see so many people already rallying around a common goal.

"It's a great process even thinking about and discussing our town's identity, its culture and how inclusive it is.

"But it's not just about the journey. We really have every chance of winning this, so long as we tell our story well and have the right people to help make it happen."

Macclesfield MP Tim Roca has lent his support to the campaign.

He said: "We know that we have got a really good chance because this is a town of culture.

"This is the town of (Charles) Tunnicliffe, of Joy Division, and even today has a thriving arts and cultural scene in Macclesfield.

"If Macclesfield Football Club can put us on the map in the way they have, I'm sure this bid for Town of Culture in 2028 can do the same thing as well."

A spokesperson for Macclesfield Town Council added: "Tom fired everyone up with a bold and inspiring vision for a Town of Culture 2028 bid, and the room was full of infectious enthusiasm — people asking questions, sharing ideas, and keen to get involved.

"Macclesfield Town Council looks forward to working in partnership with Macclesfield Culture Collective as the vision develops."

On Monday, January 26, Macclesfield Culture Collective will be launching an opportunity for residents to get involved in the bid.

They will ask people to write 100 words answering the question, 'What is the story of Macclesfield?'.

To find out more, visit the Macclesfield Culture Collective website here.