Market Harborough bids to become the UK’s first Town of Culture

Harborough District Council (HDC) has announced its interest in putting the town forward for the competition, opened by the government earlier this month. The winning town will deliver a cultural programme in 2028.

Leader of Harborough District Council, Councillor Phil Knowles made the announcement at the council’s cabinet meeting on Monday, January 19, saying the council would be putting forward an expression of interest for Market Harborough to be considered the Town of Culture for 2028.

He said: “I feel we have an amazing creative and cultural sector that includes a wide range of community groups and businesses.

“We have a historic town, with a Cultural Quarter featuring a library, museum, theatre, the Old Grammar School and St Dionysius Church in it.

“We have a fantastic range of events in the town bringing in thousands of people each year to entertain our residents and generate footfall for our businesses.

“We have a unique story to tell, a willing volunteer base and a great offer to make. We will give it a go.”

Launching the initiative towards the end of last year, the government said it expected the UK town of culture to deliver similar impacts as UK city of culture, “with the competition helping to remind us of the unique, proud and outstanding contribution made by communities across the UK.”

The government said the competition is open to small, medium and large towns, with the competition open for expressions of interest now.

Sir Phil Redmond will be leading an expert panel of judges, with the strongest bids progressing to a shortlist. Each shortlisted town will receive £60,000 to help deliver its full bid for the competition.

The government website states three finalists will be chosen – one small, one medium, one large town, with the winner crowned UK Town of Culture 2028, and a £3 million prize. The two runners-up will each receive £250,000.

The deadline for expressions of interest in the competition is March 31, 2026, with the shortlist of towns expected to be announced this spring.

What the Government said

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.”