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The government has launched its first ever UK Town of Culture competition, where towns of all sizes across the country can enter to tell their “unique stories”.<\/p>\n
First announced in October 2025, the event is part the government’s effort to “restore pride in communities”, and encourages applicants to showcase local visions and voices through a cultural programme.<\/p>\n
Three finalists will be chosen by an expert panel, where the winner will be awarded a \u00a33m prize, and the two runners-up each receiving \u00a3250,000.<\/p>\n
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said towns have “shaped our national story for decades” and the competition was a chance for them to “make a real difference in their local community”.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The event intends to complement the quadrennial UK City of Culture, with applications for the 2029 edition already underway – Bradford won the title in 2025.<\/p>\n
In a press release, the government said the plan is part of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s “ambition to restore pride in every part of Britain”.<\/p>\n
Towns can begin submitting their bids now and the strongest candidates will progress to a shortlist, with each shortlisted town receiving \u00a360,000 in funding.<\/p>\n
Leading the panel for UK Town of Culture 2028 will be Sir Phil Redmond, who said the competition is a opportunity for local communities celebrate their towns.<\/p>\n
“UK Town of Culture asks what makes your town special? What makes its people proud to be there? And why should that be celebrated?” he said.<\/p>\n
It follows the government’s Pride in Place Programme launched in November 2025, where Labour pledged to provide up to \u00a310bn in funding to 244 towns across the country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n