Sussex and Surrey towns battle for UK's £3m Town of Culture 2028 title
Towns across Sussex, Surrey, and beyond are competing to become the UK Town of Culture 2028. The winning location will secure a £3 million grant, while runners-up receive £250,000 each. Applications opened in January and will close at the end of March.
The competition has drawn bids from coastal and historic towns alike. Eastbourne, Hastings, Worthing, Bexhill, Littlehampton, Chatham, Folkestone, Deal, and Dorking are all in the running. Littlehampton's submission highlights its seaside setting, deep-rooted heritage, and recent cultural growth. Meanwhile, Chatham's bid focuses on its rebellious past and plans for future development.
Further north, Macclesfield is pushing its strong cultural heritage and the boost the title could bring to local pride. Accrington, backed by Hyndburn Council, has pledged £100,000 to enhance its cultural and heritage activities. The council hopes this investment will strengthen its chances in the competition.
The UK Town of Culture award is a new initiative, with the first winner set to be announced in 2026. The chosen location will officially hold the title in 2028. Lisa Nandy, the UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, has stressed the importance of recognising cultural talent beyond major cities.
The successful town will gain funding and national attention for its cultural scene. The deadline for submissions is 31st March, after which a selection process will begin. The outcome will shape local cultural projects for years to come.
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