Full Breakdown
Inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028 Shortlist Revealed
7/10/2026, 3:14:56 PM
Shortlist Announcement
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced the 15 towns that will compete for the first-ever UK Town of Culture 2028 title. The shortlist, drawn from almost 400 applications, is divided into three population-based categories: small towns (under 20,000), medium towns (20,000-75,000) and large towns (over 75,000). Each shortlisted place receives a £60,000 grant to develop a full bid. An independent judging panel, chaired by screenwriter Sir Phil Redmond, will select one finalist from each category, after which an overall winner will be announced early next year and awarded a £3 million grant to deliver a year-long cultural programme in 2028. The two runners-up will each receive £250,000 to implement part of their proposals.
How the Competition Works
The Town of Culture competition mirrors the successful UK City of Culture scheme and is part of the government’s “Pride in Place” programme, aimed at restoring local pride and stimulating cultural regeneration across Britain. Bids are assessed on how towns intend to use culture to celebrate local identity, empower communities and improve accessibility to the arts. The final winner will host a season of events designed to leave a lasting legacy of participation and economic benefit.
Towns on the Shortlist
| Category | Towns |
|---|---|
| Small (<= 20,000) | Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, Stockton Town Centre Ward |
| Medium (20,000-75,000) | Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontyrdidd, Port Talbot |
| Large (> 75,000) | Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby, Rotherham |
Scotland is represented by three towns—Isle of Bute, Lerwick and Leith—while Wales has Pontyrdidd and Port Talbot in the medium bracket.
Key Figures & Groups
- Kirsty McNeill, UK Government Minister for Scotland, highlighted the Scottish entries.
- Ian Murray, Minister of State for Culture, praised bids such as Basildon’s.
- Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, delivered the overarching government statement.
- Sir Phil Redmond, independent panel chair, will oversee the selection process.
- Local leaders, including Alison McGovern (MP for Birkenhead) and Carl Smith (leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council), voiced community enthusiasm.
Numbers & Funding
- Applications received: ~398
- Shortlisted towns: 15
- Initial grant per town: £60,000
- Final winner’s grant: £3 million
- Runners-up grants: £250,000 each
Why It Matters
The competition is expected to attract visitors, stimulate creative industries and generate private investment, echoing the impact of previous City of Culture winners such as Derry-Londonderry (2013) and Hull (2017). Government officials argue that cultural investment can deliver “a lasting cultural legacy” and boost local economies.
Official Statements & Responses
Government representatives emphasized the scale of participation and the ambition to showcase the nation’s cultural breadth. Ministers urged towns to involve residents fully and highlighted the potential for the £3 million prize to catalyse further private sector funding. Local officials expressed pride in their communities’ achievements and pledged to deliver ambitious programmes if selected.
Criticism & Opposition
Several towns that applied—among them Abingdon, Banbury, Henley-on-Thames, and a cluster of Powys locations—were not shortlisted, prompting disappointment among local advocates who felt their cultural contributions were overlooked. No formal objections to the selection process have been recorded.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Scotland has an extraordinary cultural heritage, and the presence of three Scottish towns on the UK Town of Culture competition shortlist is a testament to the richness and diversity of communities across the country.” — Kirsty McNeill, Minister for Scotland
- “Ms McGovern said: "I’m absolutely thrilled and just extremely proud of everyone in our town who worked so hard to get us this far.” — Alison McGovern, MP for Birkenhead
- “I want to say a massive congratulations to the 15 shortlisted towns and I wish them luck in the next round of the competition.” — Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
- “It may not sound a lot of money (£3m) but hopefully it will catalyse private sector funding,” — Ian Murray, Minister of State for Culture
- “The response to the competition has been, to say the least, overwhelming, quite literally from all four corners of the UK.” — Sir Phil Redmond, Chair of the Independent Panel
What’s Next
The shortlisted towns will refine their bids over the coming months. The independent panel will recommend one finalist from each size category, and the overall UK Town of Culture 2028 winner will be announced early next year, setting the stage for a nationwide cultural celebration in 2028.
