EVOLVING Warrington into a 'wonderful cultural city' remains the priority for the council despite failing to reach the 2021 City of Culture shortlist.

On Friday the Government announced that the town, which was always listed as an underdog with bookmakers, missed out on a place on the prized list.

Coventry, Paisley, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland and Swansea have made the cut and remain in the race, John Glen, minister for arts, heritage and tourism, announced.

The total cost of the bid was £80,000, with £66,000 coming from council reserves and £14,000 from reapportioned revenue spend, contributions and sponsorship from private sector businesses.

Chairman of Warrington's bid team Cllr Dan Price said the borough’s ‘cultural drive will continue’ and asked residents to keep promoting the town as it ‘grows and evolves into a wonderful cultural city’.

Broadcaster, author and former MP Gyles Brandreth, who is chancellor of the University of Chester, was shocked that Warrington missed out on the shortlist.

He tweeted: "I'm amazed. Short-sighted shortlisting. Now I'm backing Swansea – & with Dylan Thomas & Madame Patti on board it's a cert."

Efforts have immediately turned to building on the legacy left behind from Warrington's failed culture bid.

Despite missing out on a spot on the shortlist, the authority is keen to develop its cultural links and initiatives.

This week the council has reiterated its support for the creation of a new digital hub – and it said it will continue working closely with private sector investors in the area to deliver it.

The hub would aim to increase the number of digital start-ups that begin, and are retained, in Warrington.

Other ongoing work has also been highlighted.

A council spokesman said: "Our improved strategic links with the Arts Council and other major funding bodies mean we can now look at long-term funding for arts events and infrastructure, which wouldn't have been possible before.

"We are continuing to work with local artists to explore options for the creation of public art.

"We are backing the River Reeves Foundation in looking at improved learning pathways around performing arts that will lead young people in Warrington to realise their dreams as actors, writers, artists, directors and musicians.

"And the investment we have put into Time Square development will mean we can have more public cultural events and the infrastructure will be there to support it."

The unsuccessful areas will each receive detailed feedback on their bids.