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The government has introduced its inaugural UK Town of Culture competition, inviting towns of varying sizes throughout the nation to share their distinctive stories. Announced in October 2025, this initiative aims to “restore pride in communities” by encouraging entrants to present local aspirations and voices through cultural programming.
An expert panel will select three finalists from the applicants, with the winner receiving a £3 million prize. The two runners-up will each be awarded £250,000. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized the significance of towns in shaping the country’s history, noting that the competition offers an opportunity for communities to “make a real difference in their local community.”
This new competition is designed to complement the existing UK City of Culture event, held every four years, with the 2029 City of Culture applications already open; Bradford secured the title in 2025. According to the government’s press release, the initiative is part of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s goal to “restore pride in every part of Britain.” Towns are now welcome to submit their bids, with the strongest entries advancing to a shortlist. Each shortlisted town will receive £60,000 in funding.
Sir Phil Redmond will chair the panel evaluating entries for the UK Town of Culture 2028. He described the competition as an opportunity for local communities to celebrate their unique qualities. He said, “UK Town of Culture asks what makes your town special? What makes its people proud to be there? And why should that be celebrated?” This initiative follows the government’s Pride in Place Programme launched in November 2025, under which the Labour party committed up to £10 billion to support 244 towns nationwide
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