MP calls for Grimsby bid for first UK ‘Town of Culture’
Melanie Onn says the scheme could bring investment, pride and new opportunities to the area
Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn is urging Grimsby to bid to become the UK’s first-ever Town of Culture.
The Government’s new competition, launching for Summer 2028, will award £3.5 million to the winning town and £60,000 to shortlisted bidders.
“Most of us are aware of the transformational effect that being City of Culture had on Hull in 2017 — I want to see that happen here too,” said Ms Onn.
Ms Onn says the town has “a proud story to tell”, from its fishing roots to its cultural heritage.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the competition aims to recognise places that haven’t always had the attention they deserve.
The Town of Culture competition will be judged on three key areas:
Your story – what makes the town unique
Culture for everyone – how inclusive the programme will be
Making it happen – the town’s plan to deliver the events
It is aimed at small and medium-sized towns. Meanwhile, the UK City of Culture 2029 contest has also been expanded to allow larger towns to apply, with £10 million available for the winning bid.
A Grimsby bid could highlight attractions such as the Fishing Heritage Centre, the Ross Tiger and the Time Trap Museum, alongside recent National Lottery heritage investment in the area.