The UK Town of Culture competition will be targeted at small and medium sized towns, enabling them to tell their unique story and shining a spotlight on the important role that towns play in our national life.
It has been confirmed that the winning town will be awarded £3 million to help them deliver a cultural programme during the summer of 2028, harnessing what makes their town special.
Applications for the competition will be judged on three main criteria:
- Your story - the unique story of the town
- Culture for everyone - how the town will design a cultural programme for all
- Making it happen - how the town will then deliver a successful programme
To encourage as many places as possible across the country to bid and to benefit from the UK City of Culture process, all shortlisted places will receive £60,000 each to help them to develop their full bids for the competition.
The closing date for entries is 31 March 2026.
For further information please select the following link: First ever UK Town of Culture competition to restore pride in communities - GOV.UK.