Reporting team: Andrew Spence, Anttoni Numminen, Local Democracy Reporting Service; YorkMix
We all know about the UK City of Culture award. The Government has now announced a new Town of Culture competition which is to be launched from 2028.
Towns from across the UK have registered interest in the new competition. Three categories based on population were established:
- Large town – Over 75,000 people
- Small town – Under 20,000 people
- Medium town – 20,000 – 75,000 people
A finalist will be named from each category and an overall winner will be named. The winner will be awarded £3m to deliver a cultural programme in 2028, whilst the other two finalists will receive £250,000.
The competition, announced by the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy last autumn, will provide a platform for communities to “tell their own unique story and shine a spotlight on the vital role towns play in our national life”.
Three towns near York have so far registered an interest…
Selby
Selby has announced its bid to become the first ever UK Town of Culture. Selby Town Council is behind it and says: “We would love to hear your views on the cultural activities you would like to see in Selby Town.”
You can give your feedback via an online form here.
Pocklington
Pocklington is set to throw its hat into the ring. Despite being less than 14 miles from York, Pocklington is within the East Riding Council boundaries, and with just over 10,000 people, the town would firmly be in the ‘small town’ category.
Kick-starting the town’s efforts on February 17, the inaugural meeting of the ‘Pocklington Town Culture Bid 2028’ took place in the town’s Arts Centre. Twenty seven organisations representing sports clubs, the arts, businesses and volunteers attended, with a number of individuals also attending.
The bid is being led by the charity, Pocklington Rugby in the Community (PRITC). PRITC Chair Andy Bowden said: “It was great to see so many organisations with such positive support for our bid. It’s clear that Pocklington and the surrounding area has so much to offer in terms of our culture.”
Louise Hugill, the owner of Dilly Dally, in the town centre, said Pocklington is “such a vibrant town. All the shops are busy. “For people coming to visit there is a good afternoon’s worth of things to do.”
Malton and Norton
Malton and Norton are considering a joint bid.
Mayor of Malton Lindsay Burr said: “The Town of Culture competition is a perfect opportunity for us to work together to celebrate what makes our two towns special and to recognise the amazing cultural offer we already have.
“From heritage and history, to visual arts, music, performing arts and artisanal makers, we have an offer that deserves to be shouted about”.
A consultation says: “We think Malton and Norton have the potential to jointly become the first UK Town of Culture.
“And we are asking you to contribute your ideas to help us build our bid. How could we celebrate the heritage, culture and creativity of our communities in the two towns?”
You can contribute by taking part in a survey here.
Scarborough
Scarborough residents have been invited to share their thoughts on a bid for it to be named the UK’s inaugural Town of Culture.
The survey, which can be accessed here, will be the “first of many opportunities to give your thoughts and contribute towards Scarborough’s entry”.
Alison Hume, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, said: “I’m delighted to see community consultations getting underway in Scarborough ahead of submitting a bid for Town of Culture.
“Scarborough has an irresistible story to tell as the birthplace of theatre in the round, the first English seaside resort and the home of an incredibly rich arts, heritage, music and cultural scene. I’m really excited about our chances.”
Richmond
Richmond’s bid to become the UK Town of Culture has the backing of a former Prime Minister.
Richmond and Northallerton MP Rishi Sunak praised the town’s campaign to win the national competition while speaking in Parliament last week.
The MP said: “North Yorkshire is home to brilliant cultural assets like the Richmond Castle, Georgian Theatre, The Station and the Green Howards Museum.
“It has a unique place in our national story with a history stretching back to Norman times and a history of successfully putting on community events like Mayfest.”
Bridlington
Bridlington councillor Tim Norman said: “Bridlington Town Council are exploring, alongside the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the process and massive opportunity that will come from entering the race to be Town of Culture 2028.
“We believe that our town has the resources, talent, drive and skill to put a magnificent winning bid together and create a wonderful event packed year in 2028.”
A consultation on Bridlington’s potential bid will start soon.
The deadline for expressions of interest for UK Town of Culture 2028 is March 31, with the shortlist of towns expected to be announced this spring.
