Union Jack flags bunting in local street party. (Image: Getty Images)
The first ever UK Town of Culture competition has been launched in a bid to restore pride in communities across the country. The competition aims to drive local economic growth and opportunity through creativity in a similar manner to the successful city of culture model.
Showcasing towns’ local visions and voices – through new arts venues, performances, workshops and more – ministers hope it will drive local investment, create a lasting sense of pride in towns, and open the doors to the arts for everyone. The UK Town of Culture competition builds on the success of UK City of Culture, which has delivered transformative benefits for its four winners. Bradford, last year’s title holder, is projected to benefit from £389 million in growth across the district, with city centre footfall up 25% during its year in the spotlight. Early estimates show audiences for its City of Culture programme exceeded three million, with 80% of local residents surveyed saying it improved their wellbeing and made them feel proud of where they live.
Read more: Brexit boost propels Leeds to become UK tourism hotspot
Read more: £400m ‘level up’ boost for Arts in the North
– (Image: John Myers)
There are now 11 weeks to apply with the competition open to small, medium and large towns, with the winner delivering a vibrant cultural programme through a £3m funding pot.
Former Grange Hill and Brookside mastermind Sir Phil Redmond will lead an expert panel, judging towns on the way they’ll tell their unique story, how they’ll bring everyone in a community together, and how towns will deliver on their vision.
The strongest initial bids will progress to a shortlist, with each shortlisted town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition.
Three finalists – one small, one medium, one large town – will then be chosen with the winner being crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and handed the £3 million prize.
The two runners-up will each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their bid, from refreshed community infrastructure to electric music festivals.
– (Image: John Myers)
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “There is so much for us to be proud of in the towns we’re from – from the rich, local history to unique festivals and celebrations. They have shaped our national story for decades. Now it’s time they take centre stage and showcase the unique stories they have to tell.
“We have seen the transformative power of culture through the UK City of Culture competition. I want to make sure that towns have the same opportunity to make a real difference to their local community and show the world exactly why their town is so special.”
UK Town of Culture Chair, Sir Phil Redmond added: “I am delighted to have been asked to Chair the new Town of Culture competition, as in the past it has been hard to adequately demonstrate the depth, breadth and diversity of the UK’s cultural landscape through the UK City of Culture’s urban lens.
Laugharne visit Pictured: Gv’s of Laugharne Laugharne is a picturesque town in Carmarthenshire, Wale (Image: John Myers)
“The two competitions will complement each other while providing more opportunities for more places to both demonstrate and celebrate that creativity is not confined to the great urban concert halls, theatres or galleries. It is in everything we do together. In every town, village, neighbourhood, street or road.
“UK Town of Culture asks what makes your town special? What makes its people proud to be there? And why should that be celebrated?”
This new initiative follows the government in November 2025 launching its Pride in Place Programme, providing up to £10 billion to support 244 towns across the country whose communities have been let down by decline and systematic under-investment. Under this scheme, communities will be able to spend the funding on what matters most to them – from improvements to pavements and high streets to investing in culture and green spaces.
The search for UK City of Culture 2029 is already underway for Expressions of Interest from cities, larger towns, regions and groups of places. The winning place for UK City of Culture 2029 will be awarded £10 million.
