As you may be aware, the Government has recently launched the first ever UK Town of Culture 2028 competition, with the aim to recognise that culture isn’t limited to cities but can be found embedded in communities across the UK.
The competition is open to small, medium and large towns, with the winner receiving £3m to deliver a vibrant cultural programme in 2028. Additionally, two runners up will receive £250k.
This is a hugely exciting opportunity for our three towns to showcase our existing rich and diverse arts and culture offering, strengthen local pride, and secure valuable investment that would open doors to the arts for more people and benefit our communities for years to come. Working with our partners and communities, BCP Council intend to put in an Expression of Interest for Town of Culture 2028, to include the three towns of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in one bid.
About the competition:
Showcasing towns’ 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.
Bids should clearly tell the town’s story, demonstrate strong community engagement, broaden cultural access, and support long‑term cultural sustainability.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has confirmed there is no upper size limit, and towns may submit joint bid where there is a meaningful connection.
Shortlisted towns will receive £60,000 to develop full bids.
One finalist from three categories (small, medium and large town) will be selected as the winner receiving £3m to deliver a cultural programme in 2028. Two runners‑up will receive £250k each.
Expressions of Interest close on the 31 March 2026.
About our bid:
- Our bid grows from the real stories of our towns — shaped by the people who live here, rooted in our shared identity, and alive with the character of our communities.
- We’re celebrating the scale and variety of our area, and the way creativity is woven through everyday life across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
- Culture is one of the threads that ties our three towns together, helping us imagine and shape a shared future as BCP.
- Our story will highlight the work we already do together, open doors for new audiences, and make creativity easier for everyone to access — building something that lasts well beyond 2028.
- At its heart, our narrative shows how arts and culture support wellbeing, connection and pride — lifting up our communities and helping our towns thrive.
As a key stakeholder we would like to invite you work with us, initially to share your insights and ideas, to help us strengthen this narrative and ensure it truly represents the diverse voices of our communities. These insights will directly shape the story, priorities and community focus of our bid.
Please share your ideas by answering five simple questions here UK Town of Culture 2028 – Fill in form before 20 February 2026. Short answers and rough notes are absolutely fine — we’re looking for insight, not perfection.
A final request from us is that you email us at [email protected] to pledge your support.
Kind regards
BCP Council