Fifteen towns from across the United Kingdom have been named on the shortlist for the inaugural UK Town of Culture competition. The initiative, designed to spotlight local cultural contributions and foster community pride, saw nearly 400 applications from towns nationwide.
The shortlisted towns are categorised by size: Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, and Stockton Town Centre Ward in the 'small' category; Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, and Port Talbot in the 'medium' category; and Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby, and Rotherham in the 'large' category. These towns will each receive a grant of £60,000 to refine their proposals, which will then be evaluated by an independent judging panel. One finalist will be chosen from each size category before the overall winner is revealed early next year.
The competition forms part of the government's broader ambition to revitalise local areas across Britain and support a decade of national renewal, building on the 'Pride in Place Programme' announced last year. Alongside the UK City of Culture 2029 competition, this initiative seeks to amplify local voices, attract increased investment, cultivate a lasting sense of pride, and broaden access to arts and culture for everyone.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy extended her congratulations to the shortlisted towns, highlighting the overwhelming response to the competition as a testament to the strong sense of pride people hold for their local communities. She expressed hope that all towns, regardless of their shortlisting status, would feel proud of their efforts to champion their local areas.
Ministers from devolved nations also welcomed the shortlisting of towns in their respective areas. Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, celebrated Port Talbot and Pontypridd, noting their rich heritage. Kirsty McNeill, UK Government Minister for Scotland, praised the three Scottish towns for their diverse cultural heritage, while Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, congratulated Strabane on securing its place on the shortlist.