Northampton to enter UK Town of Culture competition to celebrate ‘rich heritage and community spirit’
Cultural organisations and community partners have joined forces with the intention of entering Northampton into the UK Town of Culture competition.
This will begin with the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the new national competition delivered by the Government’s Department for Culture, Media & Sport – designed to celebrate the unique cultural identity and creative ambition of towns across the UK.
The competition invites places of all sizes to showcase their cultural vision and community-led programming, with the winner receiving £3 million to deliver a programme in 2028.
A further two finalists will be awarded £250,000 each, and shortlisted towns will also receive development support funding to strengthen their full bids when the time comes.
West Northamptonshire Council and Northampton Town Council, together with key cultural partners from across the arts, heritage and community sectors, are in the early stages of putting together an EOI submission.
With the goal of outlining Northampton’s vision and readiness to deliver a creative cultural programme in 2028, the EOI deadline is March 31.
Submissions will then be assessed by an expert advisory panel against criteria including the town’s unique story, cultural accessibility, partnership strength and delivery capacity. Shortlisted towns will be announced in the spring, with full application guidance then published and further development support awarded.
WNC leader Councillor Mark Arnull said: “Northampton is a place with a rich cultural story, full of creativity, community spirit and heritage that deserves to be celebrated on a national stage.
“We are pleased to be working with partners to explore submitting an initial Expression of Interest. This first formal step enables us to begin shaping our shared vision and to consider the wider benefits this bid could bring for residents, visitors and local organisations.
“We’re still early in the process, engaging with stakeholders and understanding the scope of what a Town of Culture bid could look like for Northampton. This is about collaboration, ambition and showcasing the very best our town has to offer.”
Councillor Jane Birch, the Mayor of Northampton, said: “Northampton has a fascinating and distinctive story, from its medieval royal castle and links to the Crusaders and War of the Roses, to its rebirth after the Great Fire of 1675 and its world-class boot and shoe industry.
“In 2025, the 350th anniversary commemorations of the fire and the hosting of several matches for the Women’s Rugby World Cup brought communities and organisations together, showcasing the town’s passion, partnerships and pride through a wide variety of events.
“As Mayor, I have witnessed the creativity and commitment of so many local groups. There is a rich cultural life in the town, fortified by the history and heritage that has shaped the places in which we live and work, and evident in the many community-led festivals and projects supported by the town council.
“Northampton has the capacity, ambition and confidence to become the 2028 Town of Culture. This is an exciting opportunity to share everything we are proud of and to celebrate our unique identity.”
If Northampton’s initial EOI is shortlisted, all partners will work together to develop a full bid with the support of funding and guidance from the Department of Culture, Media & Sport. The aim is to highlight the town’s distinctive cultural identity, strengthen local creative partnerships, and build a compelling case for UK Town of Culture status.
If you believe you could make worthy contributions to Northampton’s EOI for the UK Town of Culture competition, email [email protected] for more information.