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Historic opportunity for towns across Wales to take centre stage and become the UK’s first ever Town of Culture
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Applications open until 31 March 2026 for Expressions of Interest
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Competition delivers on the government’s Plan for Change, driving local economic growth and opportunity
With 11 weeks to apply, the competition is open to small, medium and large towns in Wales, with the winner delivering a vibrant cultural programme. Showcasing Welsh towns through local visions and voices – through new arts venues, performances, workshops and more – this competition brings local investment, creates a lasting sense of pride in towns, and opens doors to the arts for everyone.
Towns can submit their Expressions of Interest now. Sir Phil Redmond will lead an expert panel, judging towns on the way they’ll tell their unique story, how they’ll bring everyone in a community together, and how towns will deliver on their vision. The strongest bids will progress to a shortlist, with each shortlisted town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition.
Three finalists – one small, one medium, one large town – will be chosen. The winner will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive a £3 million prize. The two runners-up will each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their bid, from refreshed community infrastructure to electric music festivals.
The deadline for Expressions of Interest for UK Town of Culture 2028 is 31 March 2026, with the shortlist of towns expected to be announced this Spring.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said
There is so much for Welsh towns to be proud of – 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.
We have seen the transformative power of culture through the UK City of Culture competition. I want to make sure that Welsh 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.
This competition, announced by the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy in October 2025, provides a platform for communities across the country to tell their own unique story and shines a spotlight on the vital role towns play in our national life.
From the historic castle walls of Caernarfon and Caerphilly, and from seaside Llandudno and Laugharne, Wales is interlinked by a rich network of towns, each with their own history and identity.
This is part of the Prime Minister’s ambition to restore pride in every part of Britain as he serves the whole of the country.
British towns are brimming with community spirit – we’re providing the opportunity to bring it to life. Increasing pride in local areas also encourages them to get out and about to museums, galleries and live performances, which also means more money spent supporting local businesses and jobs.
UK Town of Culture Chair, Sir Phil Redmond said
I am delighted to have been asked to Chair the new Town of Culture competition, as in the past it has been hard to adequately demonstrate the depth, breadth and diversity of the UK’s cultural landscape through the UK City of Culture’s urban lens.
The two competitions will complement each other while providing more opportunities for more places to both demonstrate and celebrate that creativity is not confined to the great urban concert halls, theatres or galleries. It is in everything we do together. In every town, village, neighbourhood, street or road.
UK Town of Culture asks what makes your town special? What makes its people proud to be there? And why should that be celebrated?
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said
All across Wales there are wonderful towns with distinct histories and cultures which make them fantastic places to visit, live and work.
From the Porthcawl Elvis Festival to the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen, Welsh towns host numerous events that attract visitors from all over the world. They are places with a rich heritage, like Caernarfon with its world-famous castle and Aberystwyth, the home of the National Library of Wales.
I would love to see a Welsh town be crowned the UK’s Town of Culture to let everyone know what makes our towns truly special.
This follows the government in November 2025 launching its Pride in Place Programme, providing up to £10 billion to support 244 towns across the country whose communities have been let down by decline and systematic under-investment. Under this scheme, communities will be able to spend the funding on what matters most to them – from improvements to pavements and high streets to investing in culture and green spaces.
Building on proven success
The UK Town of Culture competition builds on the success of UK City of Culture, which has delivered transformative benefits for its four winners. 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. Early estimates show audiences for its City of Culture programme exceeded 3 million, with 80% of local residents surveyed saying it improved their wellbeing and made them feel proud of where they live.
The UK City of Culture competition has proven that culture and investment work hand in hand, delivering community renewal that revitalises everything from high streets to job opportunities.
The search for UK City of Culture 2029 is already underway for Expressions of Interest from cities, larger towns, regions and groups of places. The winning place for UK City of Culture 2029 will be awarded £10 million.
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