Wednesday January 14th 2026
The Coghorn Sculpture in Loanhdead (photo by Joe Gilhooley LRPS).
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The UK Government has today taken its latest step in what it says will ‘renew the country’, by launching the first ever UK Town and Culture competition.
With 11 weeks to apply, the competition is open to small, medium and large towns, with the winner delivering a vibrant culture programme.
Showcasing towns’ local visions and voices, through new arts venues, performances, workshops and more, the competition aims to bring local investment, create a lasting sense of pride in UK towns and open doors to make art accessible for everyone.
Towns can submit their interest with applications being open now.
Sir Phil Redmond, an English TV producer and UK Town of Culture Chair, 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 bids will progress to a shortlist, with each shortlisted town receiving £60,000 from the Government to help deliver their full bids for the competition.
Three finalists – one small, one medium and one large town – will be chosen by the panel. The winner will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and will receive a £3 million prize. The two runners-up will each receive £250,000.
This competition, announced by the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy in October 2025, aims to provide a platform for communities across the country to tell their own unique story and shines a spotlight on the vital role towns play in our national life.
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.”
This 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.
UK Town of Culture Chair, Sir Phil Redmond said:
“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.
“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.
From Torquay to Thurso and Brecon to Ballycastle, the UK is interlinked by a rich network of towns, each with their own history and identity. Brimming with community spirit, the UK Government aims to provide an opportunity to bring that to life. Aiming to increase pride in local areas whilst also encouraging locals to explore the cultural offerings on their doorstep.
The competition builds on the success of UK City of Culture, which has delivered 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 3 million, with 80% of local residents surveyed saying it improved their wellbeing and made them feel proud of where they live.
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.
The deadline for Expressions of Interest for UK Town of Culture 2028 is 31 March 2026, with the shortlist of towns expected to be announced this Spring.
For more information on how to bid for the UK Town of Culture 2028 title, visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-town-of-culture-2028-expression-of-interest
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