The New Brighton Partnership has been engaging with well-known local figures and residents as part of its ongoing work to develop a strong bid for the UK Town of Culture 2028.
This initiative aims to highlight the town’s unique heritage, community spirit, and future potential.
The competition provides an opportunity for towns to showcase their identity, strengthen local pride, and deliver a programme of cultural activity for residents and visitors alike.
As part of this activity, the Partnership recently met with Billy Butler, one of the North West’s most recognisable radio broadcasters, and his wife Lesley Butler.
The couple, who have lived in New Brighton for over 35 years, shared their experiences of the seaside location and their hopes for its continued growth.
A Vibrant Community with Deep Roots
Reflecting on the town, Billy described it as “so vibrant, it’s just full of life,” and both spoke of their love for the seaside location, saying:
“We love being by the sea.”
Billy shared memories of visiting New Brighton as a child, describing it as “our abroad,” and recalling journeys by ferry to Seacombe followed by walks into the town.
He added:
“You’d go round these great long roads with big trees everywhere, I never thought I’d live here.”
Lesley, originally from Bootle, also spoke about her early visits and the strong sense of community that remains today.
She said:
“We are really settled here.
“There’s a lovely vibe here.
“It’s a fantastic community, especially Victoria Road and the promenade.”
Visions for the Future
The couple’s reflections also extended to the future development of the area. Lesley expressed a desire to see the return of an ice rink, reflecting on her own experiences skating regularly as a young person.
Billy highlighted the importance of increasing visitor accommodation to support the local economy.
He stated:
“I’d love a new hotel with a nice restaurant, because we’ve had so many close down over the last few years.”
They also reflected fondly on past attractions, including the former outdoor swimming pool, which remains a strong memory for many residents.
The New Brighton Partnership is gathering stories such as these to help shape its official submission.
By combining historical memories with modern aspirations, the Partnership intends to create a compelling case for the town’s cultural recognition on a national stage.
