I am pleased to open the UK town of culture 2028 to applications today in recognition of the vital role towns play in shaping our cultural life. Places across the UK are invited to submit expressions of interest to become the inaugural UK town of culture and deliver a six-month cultural programme in 2028. The competition will run over the next year, and we will announce the winner in the beginning of 2027.
Delivered across the UK and in collaboration with the devolved Governments, the UK town of culture builds on the UK city of culture, which was first launched in 2009 and is now in its fifth iteration. The UK city of culture has seen four winning places—Derry/Londonderry, Hull, Coventry, and now Bradford—deliver a year of rich cultural activity rooted in their unique identities, drawing on local strengths and stories.
However, for far too long, too many people have not seen themselves or their communities reflected in our national story. This competition shines a light on the places that have made an enormous contribution to our cultural life, but have not had the recognition they deserve.
I have previously announced that this competition comes with £3.5 million of prize money. I am pleased to confirm that this will see the winning town receiving £3 million while two finalists will receive £250,000 each. This is in addition to the bid development funds for each of the shortlisted places to support them in preparing their full bids. This funding package will help bidding places to get the most benefit out of taking part in the competition.
The competition criteria have been designed to focus on the unique story and important role that towns play in our national life, as well as delivering local impact where it is most needed and empowering communities to shape their bid and access the programme.
The competition is open to all towns—small, medium or large. Every town in the UK is unique and adds something different to our national story and I am keen for this competition to reflect the widest range of towns possible. I hope that as many places as possible from across the UK will consider bidding and celebrating the contribution they make to our rich and diverse culture. My officials have created a toolkit to aid MPs, supportive stakeholders and bidding towns in the application process. I will deposit a copy of the toolkit in the Library of each House for MPs and their offices to access.
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