Dumfries aims to become UK Town of Culture 2028
Dumfries submits its bid for the competition.
Dumfries has submitted its initial bid in the UK Government competition to become the first UK Town of Culture in 2028, aiming to highlight its vibrant cultural heritage and arts scene.
The first stage of the competition involves submitting an expression of interest, which Dumfries accomplished this week. Decisions are expected spring this year, determining which towns will proceed to stage 2 for detailed programme bids during the summer.
The Dumfries Partnership Action Group (DPAG) spearheaded the bid with support from local arts and cultural representatives, the Town Board, and the Ward Officer of the Nith ward.
A DPAG spokesperson said, "We can see so many opportunities that might come from this bid. We started from a strong position with our recently registered Local Place Plan for Dumfries which very much reflected what the community and businesses told us the town needed. Featuring very high on that list was a real desire to see much more celebration of our history, culture and environment alongside a steady programme of events, festivals and family-friendly activities that drew people into the town, bringing it alive."
They added, "In recent years we've seen the incredible impact of the Big Xmas Lights Switch-On, Big Burns Supper and Carnival, Lights of Hope, Guid Nychburris and the growing number of music, dance and theatre events that are drawing people, not just from the town, but beyond. Our approach to 'Creative Placemaking' is also growing at national level. We've been told that this can be built on and going for this bid and fully involving the sector and the community, will in itself be really worthwhile."
Should Dumfries win, the accolade will support further cultural development and regeneration of the town's arts scene.