Applications open for UK Town of Culture

Applications are now open for the first UK Town of Culture competition.

Applications will be open until 31 March.

The competition will be open to small, medium and large towns.

An expert panel will be led by Sir Phil Redmond 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.

A shortlist will be drawn up with the strongest bids with each town on the shortlist receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition.

One small, one medium and one large town will be chosen to be finalists and the winner will receive a £3 million.

The two runners up will each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their bid.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "There is so much for us to be proud of in the towns we’re from - 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 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."

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?"