Basingstoke bids to become town of culture
Council leader says it's an opportunity to 'shout and scream' about the town
Residents are being invited to shape the borough’s bid to become the UK’s first ever Town of Culture, as part of a special pop-up event in Basingstoke town centre next weekend.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is teaming up with residents, community groups, businesses and the arts and culture community to gather views and experiences to shape the bid which will be submitted on Tuesday 31 March 2026.
Launched by the government, the new competition aims to showcase the cultural contribution of towns across the UK. As well as a winner in the small, medium and large-sized town categories, an overall UK Town of Culture winner will be selected.
The winning town will be awarded £3.5 million to help them deliver a cultural programme during 2028, harnessing what makes their town special.
Through a series of fun and creative activities, residents and shoppers will be encouraged to share their thoughts on why Basingstoke should be crowned UK Town of Culture at a special pop-up event between 9.30am and 5pm in the former WH Smith unit in The Malls Shopping Centre on Saturday 28 February.
Visitors will also be asked for their ideas on what a year-long programme of culture and creativity could look like, if the borough’s bid is successful.
Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture Cllr Kerry Morrow said: “The views and experiences of our communities will be central to our bid to become the UK’s first ever Town of Culture and showcase why we are so proud of our borough.
“We really want residents of all ages to get involved and bring their ideas to help us plan a fantastic year of arts and culture that truly reflects and celebrates Basingstoke and Deane.
“Our team is busy planning a series of creative activities that will get residents and visitors thinking and we look forward to speaking with lots of people at this special session to shape the final bid.”
Council leader Paul Harvey added:
"My job is to promote the town my job is to promote our communities to do the very best I can do for Basingstoke and in that sense this is an opportunity to shout and scream and say 'come and look at us, come and see who we are' and we're really proud of who we are in Basingstoke."
Anyone that cannot attend the session on Saturday 28 February can still share their experiences and aspirations with the council by emailing [email protected]