Barnsley set to launch bid for UK Town of Culture 2028
It comes after local business and community groups backed the bid
Barnsley Council is set to launch a bid to become the UK Town of Culture in 2028, with cultural organisations across the borough backing the proposal.
The government has launched a new UK Town of Culture competition aimed at boosting local pride, widening access to culture and driving economic growth. The winning town will receive £3 million to deliver a year-long cultural programme, with further funding available for runners-up.
If successful, the bid would move Barnsley into the next stage of the competition, where towns will be asked to set out detailed proposals for how culture could be used to benefit communities across the borough.
Residents are being invited to help shape the bid through a public survey, which asks what cultural activity people value and what makes Barnsley distinctive. Responses will be used as evidence in the submission to government.
The Barnsley Town Board, which includes representatives from the council, businesses, cultural organisations and charities, has voted to back the bid.
Edward Naylor, chair of the Barnsley Town Board, said the competition presented “a fantastic opportunity” for the borough.
He said: ““We know Barnsley has a really strong story to tell as a candidate for UK Town of Culture, but we’d like to hear from as many local people as possible to tell us what culture means to them.”
Dan Winder, chief executive of Barnsley Civic, said the town is “full to bursting with creativity”, from brass bands and dance schools to writers and contemporary artists.
He added: “We know our history of radical renewal, our collective capacity for reinvention, often in the face of adversity, and our deep traditions of generosity, community and collective action – all of this will inform our unique offer.
Torri Crapper, general manager for the National Trust in South Yorkshire and the Humber, said Wentworth Castle Gardens was proud to support the bid, highlighting Barnsley’s cultural heritage and storytelling tradition.
Councillor Robin Franklin, the council’s cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said Barnsley’s cultural life was “deeply rooted in our heritage of making, music and local traditions”.
He added that any other cultural groups interested in being involved were encouraged to come forward.
A link to the survey can be found at barnsley.gov.uk/consultations and it will remain open until midnight on Sunday 15 March.