A town’s culture bid has inspired plans for a Band Aid-style music video to showcase its creative talent.
Grantham artists and organisers met at Earlesfield Community Centre recently to develop a video for the Grantham “Antham”, as efforts continue around the town’s expression of interest to become the UK Town of Culture 2028.
Tim Harrison, an independent councillor on Grantham Town Council and South Kesteven District Council, said many talented people attended the meeting to “start putting meat on the bones” of the idea.
Tim said: “The talent there was amazing and with Chris Wade, Kelly Borketas, Shane and Chantelle Cattermole stepping up and taking over the musical and technical side of things, it is looking very promising.”
The project aims to support the Town of Culture push, showcase Grantham talent and help artists gain recognition from people who watch the video.
The campaign has also secured support from Grantham Preparatory International School, which has given permission to host a primary schools competition and fun day on July 4.
The event will include craft stalls, while Grantham School of Dance will create a dance version of the “Antham”.
Other events include bingo at Earlesfield Community Centre on May 15, with proceeds split between organising group Grantham On Show Here! (GOSH!) and InspireU.
The group will also hold a fundraiser craft fair at Earlesfield Community Centre on May 31, from 10.30am to 4pm.
Tim said organisers were also exploring another music event for all ages at either St Wulfram’s or Grantham House.
He added that the Grantham “Antham” had received lots of airplay on radio stations, with more activity to come.
Grantham submitted its rxpression of interest for the UK Town of Culture 2028 by the March 31 deadline.
The Government-run competition offers £3million to the winning town, £250,000 to two runners-up and £60,000 to shortlisted towns to develop full bids.
Tim has previously said the bid aims to drive pride in place, town centre activity, skills development and community participation, while giving Grantham’s existing creative talent a national platform.
He said the work would continue regardless of whether the town reaches the shortlist, because the campaign has already started to showcase Grantham’s cultural strengths.