Twin towns – a rather strange phenomenon – but one that may be about to become far more popular with news that the ultimate fantasy factory – Walt Disney World in Florida – is on the look out for a town in the UK to twin with…
Twinning towns is a concept whereby towns or cities in geographically and politically distinct areas are paired, with the goal of fostering human contact and cultural links between their inhabitants.
Some towns don’t spring to mind as having twin potential. The Midlands cathedral town of Worcester recently tried to twin itself with Gaza in a show of support for the Palestinian people. Unsurprisingly, this twin-ship was turned down.
The earliest form of town twinning in Europe was between the German city of Paderborn and the French city of Le Mans in 836, although this was not officially established as a modern town twinning arrangement until 1967.
The first recorded modern twinning agreement was between Keighley, West Yorkshire and Poix-du-Nord, Nord, France in 1920 following the end of World War I. The practice was continued after the Second World War as a way to bring European people into a closer understanding of each other and to promote cross-border projects of mutual benefit. Coventry twinned with Dresden as an act of peace and reconciliation as both cities having been heavily bombed during the war.
Now, Walt Disney World in Florida is on the hunt for its very own UK town to twin with.
Anyone who thinks their town, village or city is worthy of being twinned with Mickey and Minnie’s hometown should apply in writing to a panel of judges and include photos or a video of their town to prove why it has that X-factor.
The judges say they will be focusing on the following key factors:
How does your town celebrate its traditions?
How does your town appeal to people of all ages?
How does your town look to the future?
How is your town family friendly?
Who’s your town’s inspirational person?
Entries on the website so far include Newquay, Leeds and Reigate, Surrey.
Whoever submits the winning nomination will win a holiday to Florida for the official twinning ceremony at Walt Disney World, presided over by the mayor of Main Street.
Better get your skates on – applications are only being accepted until the 22nd November, so check out www.waltdisneyworldtwinnedtown.co.uk for more information on how to enter.
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