The UK Government has launched a brand-new cultural initiative: the UK Town of Culture 2028 competition. This nationwide opportunity invites towns from across the United Kingdom to tell their unique stories, build cultural programmes that bring communities together, and compete for a transformational cultural prize — helping towns of all sizes to unlock increased pride, creativity and economic growth.
The UK Government has announced the launch of its first-ever UK Town of Culture competition, a major new cultural programme designed to restore pride in communities and place culture at the heart of town regeneration.
For towns like North Shields, this is a significant moment — one that recognises the power of local identity, heritage and grassroots creativity, not just in cities, but in towns with strong stories to tell.
👉 Official announcement:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-ever-uk-town-of-culture-competition-to-restore-pride-in-communities
What Is the UK Town of Culture?
The UK Town of Culture 2028 is a new national designation created by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). It builds on the success of the UK City of Culture programme but focuses specifically on towns of all sizes across the UK.
The aim is simple but powerful:
to help towns use culture to strengthen identity, boost pride, increase participation, and support long-term regeneration.
Culture is defined broadly and inclusively — from heritage and storytelling to music, festivals, visual arts, community publishing, food culture, youth creativity and everyday cultural life.
📄 Full guidance for bidders:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-town-of-culture-2028-expression-of-interest/uk-town-of-culture-2028-expression-of-interest-guidance-for-bidders
Key Dates You Need to Know
- Competition opens: 14 January 2026
- Expression of Interest deadline: 31 March 2026
- Shortlisted towns announced: Spring 2026
- Winner announced: Early 2027
- Town of Culture year: 2028
Towns must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) outlining their vision, story and ability to deliver.
📄 EOI application form template:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/696508d08d599f4c09e1ff76/UK_ToC_EOI_Application_Form.odt
Funding & Support
The competition comes with substantial backing:
- £3 million for the overall UK Town of Culture 2028
- £250,000 for two finalist towns
- £60,000 development funding for shortlisted places
Even reaching the shortlist gives towns the resources to strengthen partnerships, develop cultural plans and test ideas — regardless of the final outcome.
What Are the Judges Looking For?
An independent expert panel, chaired by Sir Phil Redmond, will assess bids against three core criteria:
1. Your Story
What makes your town distinctive?
This is about identity, heritage, people and place — and how culture reflects lived experience.
2. Culture for Everyone
How will culture be accessible, inclusive and rooted in the community?
Judges want to see participation across ages, backgrounds and neighbourhoods — not just headline events.
3. Making It Happen
Is the plan realistic and deliverable?
Strong partnerships, community buy-in and clear leadership matter.
This is not about glossy ideas alone — it’s about authenticity and long-term impact.
Why This Matters for Towns Like North Shields
Towns across the UK have faced decades of under-investment, empty buildings and declining high streets. This competition recognises that culture can be a catalyst for change — helping towns re-imagine themselves, attract visitors, support local creatives and rebuild confidence.
Evidence from previous UK City of Culture programmes shows lasting benefits, including increased footfall, stronger local economies, improved wellbeing and renewed civic pride.
North Shields already has many of the ingredients this competition values:
a strong sense of place, rich maritime heritage, independent businesses, creative communities and a growing appetite for collaboration.
Where I Love North Shields Fits In
This is where community-led platforms like I Love North Shields can play a vital role.
Telling Our Story
The competition places huge emphasis on story — and that’s something I Love North Shields already does every day. From heritage features and local heroes to creative projects and community voices, the platform documents the lived culture of the town.
Culture for Everyone
Town of Culture is not about elite culture — it’s about participation.
I Love North Shields already champions grassroots creativity, volunteers, independent makers, photographers, writers, young people and everyday cultural life. This aligns directly with the competition’s values.
Connecting People & Partnerships
Successful bids rely on collaboration between residents, creatives, businesses, venues, schools and civic organisations. I Love North Shields is uniquely positioned as a connector, helping bring those conversations together and amplify local voices.
Building a Cultural Programme
Seasonal magazines, photowalks, events, heritage storytelling, exhibitions and youth projects all contribute to a wider cultural ecosystem — the kind of activity that could form part of a Town of Culture programme in 2028.
A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity
The UK Town of Culture competition is more than a funding pot.
It’s an invitation for towns to define themselves on their own terms, celebrate what makes them unique, and build confidence in their future.
For North Shields, this is a moment worth paying attention to — and for community-led platforms like I Love North Shields, it’s a chance to help shape what comes next.
📌 You can read the full government announcement here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-ever-uk-town-of-culture-competition-to-restore-pride-in-communities
