Telford launches bid for 2028 ‘culture town’ crown
Communities across the Midlands region will compete to become the UK’s town of culture in two years, with a £3m government cash boost in store for the eventual winners.
The government launched the search for its first ever “UK Town of Culture” earlier this week, open to small, medium and large towns up and down the country.
The initiative is similar to the UK City of Culture contest, which has delivered transformative benefits for its four winners since its inauguration in 2013. 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. The West Midlands city of Coventry bagged the title in 2021.
Shortlists for three categories; for small, medium, and large towns, will be drawn up in the spring, with the winner set to receive a £3m prize. The two runners-up will each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their bid, the government says.
The Shropshire town of Telford become the latest large town to express an interest in bidding for the scheme, joining Shrewsbury, Oswestry and Ludlow from the county in launching proposals earlier this week.
Among a raft of towns also bidding for the title are Northampton, Droitwich and a joint entry from Ripley, Alfreton and Heanor in Derbyshire.
Despite being less than six decades old, Telford boasts a UNESCO world heritage site at the Ironbridge Gorge, and was the birthplace of channel swimmer Matthew Webb, part of what Cllr Lee Carter, leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said was the town’s “unique story”.
“The work already underway across the Borough, from our investment in the exciting new theatre which will boast the biggest auditorium in Shropshire and the renovation of the Town Park Amphitheatre right through to the recent Telford Day and Telford flag initiatives which all helped to bring communities together, gives us so much to shout about right across the whole borough,” he said.
“When you then add in Ironbridge, the town that kickstarted the industrial revolution, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary as a UNESCO site later this year and its museums which have been recognised as one of the country’s most treasured assets and is now being run by the National Trust, you really start to see how strong our offer is.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said culture and investment would work “hand in hand” to deliver community renewal as part of the contest, which she said revitalised everything from high streets to job opportunities.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Towns can submit expressions of interest now, until the window for applications closes on 31 March.
