Northampton to enter UK Town of Culture competition
The winning town will receive £3 million to help deliver its cultural programme,
Northampton is gearing up for a potential bid to become the UK Town of Culture in 2028.
Cultural organisations and community partners in Northampton are considering an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the national competition, which is managed by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).
If successful, the winning town will receive £3 million to help deliver its cultural programme, while two category finalists will be awarded £250,000 each. Shortlisted entries will benefit from development support funds.
West Northamptonshire Council, along with various cultural partners including Northampton Town Council, is in the initial stages of assessing the prospects of an EOI submission.
The deadline for submissions is set for 31st March 2026.
Following evaluation by an expert advisory panel, shortlisted places will be announced in Spring 2026.
Cllr Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, highlighted Northampton's vibrant cultural story.
"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," Arnull said.
Mayor of Northampton Cllr Jane Birch also shared her enthusiasm for the competition.
Birch reflected on Northampton's historical significance and the community's involvement in cultural events, citing the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire and the Women’s Rugby World Cup matches in 2025 as examples.
"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," Birch said.
"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," she concluded.