It is being seen as the ‘natural next step’ for the East Riding market town
Mayor of Beverley Cllr Alison Healy says the town has ‘so much to offer’(Image: Beverley Town Council/Visit East Yorkshire)
Beverley is preparing to submit an “Expression of Interest” to become a UK Town of Culture. The local community is being invited to get behind the idea by completing a short online survey.
The UK Town of Culture programme celebrates the culture, creativity and community spirit of towns across the country, giving them the chance to showcase what makes them special through a year of events, performances, activities and celebrations. For Beverley, this would be “a natural next step”, says its town council.
The story of Beverley is overflowing with culture, from its extraordinary historic buildings and market traditions to its festivals, arts groups, musicians, performers and creative communities. From the days of the town’s founding father St John of Beverley, to when pilgrims travelled to it from across the country, through the ages of guilds and industry, to today’s vibrant mix of heritage, hospitality, retail and cultural life, Beverley has always been a place that evolves and reinvents itself.
A Town of Culture programme would celebrate that story while bringing new experiences to the town, opening the door to performances, exhibitions and creative activity not usually available locally. Mayor of Beverley Cllr Alison Healy said: “Beverley has so much to offer.
“Our town’s story is rich with culture, creativity and community spirit. From our historic buildings and beautiful public spaces to the incredible talent within our arts groups, festivals and community organisations, culture runs through the heart of Beverley.
“This is an opportunity to open Beverley to the world, and to make sure the world knows about Beverley.”
If Beverley is shortlisted, Beverley Town Council, with support from East Riding Council, will reach out to partners across the town – including arts organisations, community groups, schools, businesses and cultural venues – to develop a community-driven and accessible year of culture. The aim will be to take arts and creative activity into neighbourhoods across the town, alongside using Beverley’s remarkable spaces, including Beverley Minster, St Mary’s Church and locations across the town centre, in new and imaginative ways.
At this stage, the town is only submitting an Expression of Interest. Organisers say strong community backing will help show the depth of local support.
Residents are encouraged to complete the short online survey to show their support by Thursday, March 26; to spread the word on social media and celebrate everything that makes Beverley special. “Because this isn’t just a bid,” the council said, “it’s the next chapter in Beverley’s story”.
Beverley’s bid follows a move by another East Yorkshire market town, Pocklington, which is also throwing its hat into the ring as a “small town” bidder. An inaugural meeting of the Pocklington Town Culture Bid 2028 took place in the town’s Arts Centre, with 27 organisations representing sports clubs, the arts, businesses and volunteers attending, along with a number of other individuals.
Driffield has also announced it is vying for Town of Culture status. The town council has confirmed it is submitting a bid based on its heritage as the “Capital of the Wolds”.
All the contenders join the seaside resort of Bridlington in the race for the title which will see the winner awarded £3m to run a cultural programme, while two other finalists will each receive £250,000 for events.
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