Bootle 'back on its feet' ahead of culture bid

As Bootle bids to become the UK's first Town of Culture one of its most famous son's Jamie Carragher has hailed its ability to produce people of "real grit and fight".

The former Liverpool captain, who grew up in Bootle, is part of a ten-person group of ambassadors to support the bid, with a shortlist of towns expected to be announced in the spring.

Bootle has enjoyed a cultural renaissance, with the arrival of cultural space Salt and Tar which has hosted Sir Tom Jones and Status Quo - whilst US musician Nile Rodgers is due to play a gig at the venue later this year.

Fellow ambassador, Lioness Alex Greenwood, said she'd love "nothing more" than for young kids to have the opportunities she had.

Carragher added: "We're seeing Bootle get back on its feet and where it should be.

"This is the best place in the world, it gave us our opportunities.

"The people we produce from this city have real grit and fight - you need that resilience in life - you get that in abundance here."

The former footballer, who made 737 appearances for Liverpool, admitted he is still astonished the town managed to get Sir Tom to perform on stage in 2024 - in front of what was a sell-out crowd.

Bootle's history dates back as far as the Domesday book, and in the 19th century was competing with Liverpool for wealth and shipping.

Its architecture reflects its wealthy maritime history, though it was bombed heavily in the Second World War.

The town's fortunes have risen and fallen with the shipping industry, and changes to the docks.

Greenwood, who currently plays for Manchester City and was recently awarded an MBE, said driving into Bootle feels like "exactly where I'm meant to be".

"We miss a lot of talent in this city because there's not enough opportunity, which is unfortunate.

"I came out on the lucky side of that but I'd love nothing more for young kids to have opportunities, it doesn't have to be football, it can be anything", she said.

Areas across the North West are planning to submit bids to become the UK's first Town of Culture.

Prescot in Knowsley, Widnes in Halton, and Birkenhead and New Brighton in Wirral are other locations in the Liverpool City Region putting forward an initial expression of interest.

Carl Hunter from The Farm and Fran Doran of Red Rum Club are also among the first set of backers of the bid from Sefton Council.

Lead singer Doran said he's "proud" of Bootle's undiscovered talent.

"The people, community and the life that it's given me, set me up in such a great way - I want that to continue."

His band have played Salt and Tar twice; their first outing being watched by 3,500 people.

Two years later, they returned "bigger and better", the musician said.

He added: "Arts and culture is in the blood of this place".

Areas have until 31 March to submit their initial bids. The government said the strongest entries would progress to a shortlist, with each 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. The winner will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive a £3m prize.

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