Can Ammanford Be The Welsh Capital Of Culture?

The title of UK City of Culture 2025 has just been bestowed on Bradford. This got me thinking - could and should Ammanford go for the title of Welsh Capital of Culture?
I can hear the cynics already - Ammanford? It has nothing going for it! But lets park our preconceptions outside for a moment and give this some thought.

Ammanford is a small town in Carmarthenshire, South Wales, with a population of around 5,000 people about half the size of Bradford. It’s not in the most fashionable part of Wales, nor is it on the tourist trail.
What it does have going for it is a host of creative residents - artists, poets, musicians and singers.
In the visual arts field alone there is the Tin Shed Gallery, exhibiting the work of original and established artists from Wales and beyond, the Ammanford House Gallery, the home to the Alfred Janes collection, and Canolfan y Cwm open art studio.
The town also boasts the Lyric Theatre, a multi-arts venue that hosts a wide range of productions.
In the literary field the town has the hugely successful monthly Ammanford LitFest and the equally successful Tŷ Newydd Writers Centre on its doorstep, not to mention that it is the home of the Burning Bush 2 international poetry magazine.

So far, so good, but can Ammanford pull it out of the bag? Can it put together a bid that will impress the judges?
Ammanford has a proud industrial heritage. It was once a thriving mining community, and the town is still home to a number of former collieries. This industrial heritage could be used to create a unique and compelling bid.
For example, the town could develop a cultural programme that celebrates the history of mining in the area. This could include exhibitions, performances, and workshops.
Ammanford could also use its natural surroundings to its advantage. The town is located in the beautiful Amman Valley, and there are a number of stunning walks and cycle paths in the area.
The town could develop a cultural programme that celebrates the natural beauty of the area. This could include guided walks, nature trails, and outdoor art installations.

Of course, there are challenges that Ammanford would need to overcome. One challenge is the town’s lack of funding. Ammanford is a relatively poor town, and it would need to find a way to fund its bid.
Another challenge is the town’s lack of infrastructure. Ammanford does not have a major arts venue, and it would need to find a way to provide suitable venues for its cultural programme.
Despite these challenges, I believe that Ammanford has a good chance of winning the title of Welsh Capital of Culture. The town has a rich cultural heritage, a thriving arts community, and a beautiful natural setting.
With a bit of imagination and hard work, Ammanford could put together a bid that will impress the judges and win the title.

So, what do you think? Should Ammanford go for the title of Welsh Capital of Culture?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.