Today (14 January) the UK government has announced that it will launch a competition to find the first ever UK Town of Culture.
The purpose of this competition is to find towns that will drive the Government’s Plan for Change.
Towns across the UK, 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.
With this in mind, we thought we’d recommend some of our favourite West Midlands towns that should definitely be up for consideration.
9. Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath
Just a train ride away from Birmingham, these villages have recently had their status upgraded to a town after long been classed as villages. They provide a countryside illusion while keeping you close to urban amenities. Offers a village/semi‐rural feel, good for a slower pace. | Mimi Ibrahim