Stanley answers ‘ugliest town’ jibe with culture campaign

Described as “a jumble of hairdressers, bargain shops, takeaways and betting shops,” by The Telegraph’s travel writer Helen Pickles.

Many residents did not dispute the ‘ugly’ crown when The Northern Echo spoke to them about it.

Ms Pickles said: “On the top of a low hill, with views over fields and woodland, and the sprawl of Newcastle in the distance, Stanley has an enviable location.”

But she admitted that “The town now feels beleaguered by encircling roads and roundabouts.

“The main shopping strip, Front Street, is pedestrianised with trees and benches, and is a jumble of hairdressers, bargain shops, takeaways and betting shops.”

Now, Stanley Town Council has submitted an expression of interest for the 2028 Town of Culture title

Joan Nicholson, town council chair, said the application would highlight the area’s resilience and rich heritage.

Backers of Stanley’s UK Town of Culture 2028 bid gather at the launch event. (Image: NQ)

She added: “Becoming UK Town of Culture would shine a national spotlight on everything that makes Stanley special, from our industrial story to our creativity, talent and spirit.

“This bid is rooted in our people and strong partnerships and it reflects our belief that culture can drive positive change.”

Why Stanley was called one of Britain’s ugliest

The Telegraph previously ranked Stanley the seventh ugliest location in the country out of more than 1,250 entries.

Front Street in Stanley, which was criticised in a Telegraph review. (Image: NQ)

A travel writer for the newspaper handed the area low scores for historical architecture and shop fronts, describing it as “beleaguered by encircling roads and roundabouts”.

The new 2028 campaign plans to focus on the area’s global contributions and community ties.

Organisers will highlight the Louisa Pit disaster of 1947 alongside the town’s claim as the birthplace of the first Hollywood film studio.

People attend the re-dedication of Stanley’s Louisa Morrison Pit Disaster Memorial. (Image: NQ)

David and Williams Horsley, the brothers who founded the pioneering film company in 1911, were born in Stanley.

The settlement is also the birthplace of actor Alun Armstrong and football prospect Lewis Miley.

David Watchman, general manager of Tanfield Railway, said the area had influenced the world through “grit and determination”.

He added: “At the heart of Tanfield Railway are our fantastic volunteers, many of whom have lived here all their lives.

“Town of Culture isn’t just about looking back at what used to be, it’s about looking forward.

“By celebrating our people and our unique places, we’re making sure there is a legacy that all of us now, our children and grandchildren can see, touch and take pride in.”

Who is backing Stanley’s Town of Culture bid

Regional organisations are backing the campaign, which promises a year-long programme of events and creative projects if successful.

Victoria Keen, head of place partnerships and engagement at Karbon Homes, said the bid would celebrate community efforts.

She added: “Town of Culture status would not only celebrate all the amazing work that’s been done to date to create lasting change in the town.

“It would put Stanley on the map and help build an even brighter future for the community.”

Hundreds of locations across the country have registered an intention to compete for the status.

To progress, Stanley must demonstrate a distinctive story and an inclusive cultural programme with clear delivery plans.

Shortlisting is expected to be completed later this spring, before finalists receive development grants ahead of the winning announcement in early 2027.

Stanley’s bid makes it the second County Durham place to enter the 2028 race, after Bishop Auckland launched its own bid.

The town council has said it plans to involve residents, schools, businesses and local organisations throughout the bidding process.

One of the bid’s cultural assets, Tanfield Railway, dates back to 1725 and is a volunteer-run three-mile heritage line between Sunniside and East Tanfield.

Stanley has also been building a regular programme of town-centre events, with its bi-monthly Front Street food market drawing more than 6,500 visitors across four events last year and securing £34,000 in regional funding.