Newcastle-under-Lyme bids to be a UK Town of Culture 2028
Newcastle‑under‑Lyme will put its rich heritage, creativity and civic pride on the national stage as it announces its intention to bid to be a UK Town of Culture.
The Government’s competition, unveiled today (14 January), invites towns across the country to showcase their unique stories through vibrant cultural programmes designed to boost local identity and drive economic growth.
Now that expressions of interest have officially been invited, Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said:
Since first hearing about the Town of Culture proposal a few months ago we have been preparing a first-class bid that reflects the rich history and civic pride of Newcastle-under-Lyme.
We already have award-winning jewels such as the Brampton Museum, Apedale Heritage Centre and the New Vic Theatre, and a culture of art and innovation which has been developed over centuries and continues to this day.
We will make a strong case for our unique town and borough and use the bid process to build on our successful Civic Pride campaign.”
Much of the borough’s history, heritage and culture was celebrated in 2023 during the year-long celebrations of the 850th anniversary of the town’s Royal Charter, which led to the unique statue of Queen Elizabeth II being unveiled in Queens Gardens as well as being crowned national winners of Britian in Bloom. Another long-term legacy is the creation of a Civic Pride Investment Fund, within the Civic Pride campaign, to help bring communities closer together.
The first ever UK Town of Culture competition aims to boost local economies, strengthen local identity and widen access to the arts.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will select the best small, medium and large towns from the applications and one of those three will be named UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive £3 million to support a range of events.
The other two will each receive £250,000 to deliver a programme of cultural activity through the year.
Cllr. Craig Skelding, Cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Heritage, added:
Newcastle‑under‑Lyme absolutely ticks all the boxes for the UK Town of Culture bid. Our rich heritage and strong sense of community make us exactly the kind of town this competition is designed to celebrate.”