Local Museum and Art Gallery named Lancashire’s Best Cultural Venue of the Year
The annual Lancashire Tourism Awards, organised by Marketing Lancashire, were held in the world-famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom on Tuesday 11 February.
From large attraction to small attraction, visitor experience to accessible and inclusive tourism, every aspect of Lancashire tourism and hospitality was celebrated across 27 categories.
The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery attended the awards after being shortlisted as finalists back in August 2024.
Between the shortlist announcement and award ceremony, finalists progressed through several stages, including mystery shopping, announced visits and interviews with the independent Lancashire Tourism Award judges.
The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery are pleased to announce that they were the winners of the category Best Cultural Venue/Organisation in the county-wide awards.
Judges stated ‘they were impressed by The Whitaker’s far-ranging cultural programme that encompasses emerging as well as established artists. Constantly evolving their offer whilst balancing innovation, inclusivity and income generation, their work with partners, contributors and artists, has created something quite wonderful, that speaks to local as well as national audiences.’
Creative Director of The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery, Gaynor Seville, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have won this prestigious award! Huge thanks must go to our hard-working staff team, and our army of volunteers who help to run the museum. We are so proud that the judges could see the meaning engagement, carefully considered programme and benefit to the community that we strive so hard to achieve.”
Vikki Harris, Marketing and Partnerships Director of Marketing Lancashire, said: “We are one of the most visited counties in England and I want us to stay that way. Lancashire has always been a great destination for domestic visitors, but we can’t rest on our laurels. We want people to think that Lancashire is the place to go today, and when they get here we want them to have such a fabulous time, that they come here again and again.
“At Marketing Lancashire we’re passionate about positioning Lancashire as a top visitor destination that truly rivals our neighbouring counties. Our vision is to continue to transform people’s perceptions of Lancashire and in turn grow the visitor economy back to pre-pandemic levels.
The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery has previously won the award for Best Cultural Venue in Lancashire back in 2021.
