Shropshire Council backs six towns in bids to become UK Town of Culture 2028

Shropshire Council has confirmed its support for Broseley, Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Market Drayton, Oswestry and Shrewsbury as each prepares to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Government’s UK Town of Culture 2028 competition.

Launched by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), the new UK Town of Culture programme aims to celebrate the cultural contribution of towns across the country, spotlight local stories, empower communities, and create lasting cultural legacies.

The first step for the six Shropshire towns is to submit their EOIs, detailing their unique cultural stories, plans to make culture accessible for everyone, and ideas to deliver a successful programme.

Successful bidders will be shortlisted and invited to submit full applications. One town will ultimately be awarded the title of UK Town of Culture 2028, receiving £3 million, while two finalists will each receive £250,000 to deliver ambitious cultural programmes.

Alex Wagner, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for communities, said:

“Communities thrive when we work in genuine partnership, and this process gives us the opportunity to collaborate closely with six fantastic town councils, creatives, volunteers and local organisations. Each of these towns has a distinctive story to tell, and we are proud to stand behind them as they develop their bids.”

Rob Wilson, Portfolio Holder for transport and economic growth, added:

“Shropshire’s market towns are at the heart of our economy and our identity. Success for any of our wonderful towns in this competition would represent a gain for Shropshire as a whole. The opportunity to showcase our heritage, creativity and local strengths on a national stage is one we are thrilled to support.”

DCMS intends to announce the shortlist of places that will proceed to the next stage of the competition in Spring 2026.