Progressing the exciting bid to put Lowestoft firmly on the cultural map at the Seagull Theatre in Pakefield. Image: Adam Barnes photography (Image: Adam Barnes photography)

Lowestoft is bidding for the unique honour of becoming the first ever UK Town of Culture - which could see it gain a £3m funding boost.

Ness Point, Britain's most easterly point in Lowestoft. Image: East Suffolk Council (Image: East Suffolk Council)

As The Seagull in Pakefield works with numerous partner organisations to create the Lowestoft community bid, plans have taken an important step forward.

Progressing the exciting bid to put Lowestoft firmly on the cultural map at the Seagull Theatre in Pakefield. Image: Adam Barnes photography (Image: Adam Barnes photography)

Key partners united at the theatre on Morton Road to launch the bid this week.

The Lowestoft Town of Culture 2028 bid. Image: The Seagull (Image: The Seagull)

They discussed all the "wonderful ideas" for a programme of activities to catapult Lowestoft onto the national stage, while celebrating all the grassroots organisations which make the town such a vibrant cultural hotspot.

One of the two bronze plaques accompanying the Britten as a Boy statue, highlighting culture in Lowestoft. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Representatives from the Marina Theatre, the Lowestoft Players, Swell Music CIC and Lowestoft Vision, were joined by the leader of East Suffolk Council, Caroline Topping, and Lowestoft MP Jess Asato as they enjoyed the regular Friday Music for Wellbeing session which operates at the Seagull.

The former Seamans Mission/Bethel - The home of The Lowestoft Players - the Players Theatre, located on Battery Green Road, Lowestoft. Image: Lowestoft Players (Image: Lowestoft Players)

Locals were also able to give an idea of the types of cultural activities they felt should be part of the application.

Culture in Lowestoft. Image: East Suffolk Council (Image: East Suffolk Council)

The UK's first ever Town of Culture competition was launched last month by the Government to restore pride in communities - and thousands of towns across the country are now eligible to apply.

Progressing the exciting bid to put Lowestoft firmly on the cultural map at the Seagull Theatre in Pakefield. Image: Adam Barnes photography (Image: Adam Barnes photography)

The competition is open to small, medium and large towns, with the winner delivering a vibrant cultural programme.

The First Light Festival. Image: First Light Festival (Image: First Light Festival)

Between now and the March 31 deadline the Seagull will be engaging with as many grassroots organisations as possible to get their views and opinions on what should be in the Lowestoft bid, and how they would want to be involved.

Progressing the exciting bid to put Lowestoft firmly on the cultural map at the Seagull Theatre in Pakefield. Image: Adam Barnes photography (Image: Adam Barnes photography)

Ahead of this two public events have been scheduled for next week.

Led by First Light Festival CIC, the Battery of Ideas Place Partnership on London Road North in Lowestoft town centre. Image: Discover Lowestoft (Image: Discover Lowestoft)

They are being held on Monday, February 23 at the Battery of Ideas on London Road North in Lowestoft at 2pm and on Wednesday, February 25 at The Seagull Theatre in Morton Road, Pakefield at 6pm.

The Seagull Theatre on Morton Road in Pakefield, Lowestoft. (Image: The Seagull)

Anyone with an interest in culture in Lowestoft, at any level, is invited to come along to one of these meetings and contribute to the planning.

Seagull Theatre manager, Karen Read said: “It was lovely to welcome representatives from East Suffolk Council and our partner organisations into the Seagull this week.

Seagull Theatre manager, Karen Read. Image: The Seagull (Image: Seagull Theatre.)

"Their contribution to this application process will be vital to ensuring that all the voices and opinions in our town are heard and included.

Progressing the exciting bid to put Lowestoft firmly on the cultural map at the Seagull Theatre in Pakefield. Image: Adam Barnes photography (Image: Adam Barnes photography)

"The next stage is to get everyone else involved through our public forum meetings on February 23 and February 25.

Progressing the exciting bid to put Lowestoft firmly on the cultural map at the Seagull Theatre in Pakefield. Image: Adam Barnes photography (Image: Adam Barnes photography)

"We really hope that lots of other arts organisations and individuals can come along and get involved.”

Lowestoft faces competition from two Suffolk rivals in the bid - Felixstowe and Newmarket.

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