A national competition has been launched to find the first-ever UK Town of Culture.
The competition provides a platform for towns of all sizes to tell their own unique story and will shine a spotlight on the central role which places like Scarborough play in our national life. Winners will be chosen on their ability to showcase the unique, catchy story of their town; the things that make it distinct and worthy of being the focal point of a national celebration. It’s an opportunity to bring community spirit to life, increasing pride in the locality, and encouraging local people to take greater advantage of the cultural opportunities on their doorstep.
The competition runs alongside the City of Culture contest, which was won by Bradford in 2025. The Town of Culture winner will be awarded a £3m prize to deliver a showcase cultural programme during 2028, with two runners up each receiving £250,000 to deliver elements of their bid. This could include festivals, concerts, exhibitions, schools’ programmes, heritage, theatre, art, dance, music, or comedy.
Scarborough is hoping to win the title, and celebrate all that's brilliant about the town, so please tell us what you think. This survey is the first of many opportunities to give your thoughts and contribute towards Scarborough's entry.
Thank you!