The UK government has launched its first-ever Town of Culture competition, aiming to restore pride in communities and drive local economic growth as part of its broader Plan for Change. The initiative invites small, medium, and large towns to submit Expressions of Interest by 31 March 2026, giving them the chance to showcase their local culture through arts venues, performances, workshops, and other community-led projects.
An expert panel, chaired by Sir Phil Redmond, will judge applications based on the town’s unique story, inclusivity of its cultural programme, and the feasibility of delivery. Shortlisted towns will receive £60,000 to develop full bids, and three finalists—representing small, medium, and large towns—will be selected. The overall winner, named UK Town of Culture 2028, will receive £3 million, while the two runners-up will each be awarded £250,000 to implement elements of their proposals.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized that the competition allows towns to celebrate their unique history, festivals, and local identity, similar to the transformative impact seen with the UK City of Culture programme. By highlighting local creativity, the initiative seeks to increase community engagement, promote visits to cultural venues, and support local businesses and jobs.
Sir Phil Redmond noted that the Town of Culture competition complements the City of Culture programme by showcasing the richness and diversity of cultural life beyond urban centres, capturing the creativity present in towns, villages, and neighbourhoods across the UK.
The competition also aligns with the government’s Pride in Place Programme, which allocates up to £10 billion to 244 towns for improvements in infrastructure, green spaces, and cultural initiatives, particularly in areas previously affected by under-investment.
Building on the proven success of the UK City of Culture, which has delivered significant economic and social benefits for previous winners like Bradford, the Town of Culture competition aims to replicate similar impacts at a local level. Past winners have seen increased footfall, higher community engagement, and enhanced wellbeing among residents, demonstrating the power of culture to drive community renewal and economic opportunity.
Applications will be evaluated on three main criteria: the town’s unique story, how the cultural programme will be inclusive, and the town’s capacity to deliver the programme successfully. More information on the competition and submission process is available through the UK Town of Culture 2028 Expression of Interest portal.
