Rotherham among 15 places shortlisted for first ever Town of Culture
Those shortlisted will receive £60,000 each to prepare their final bids
Last updated 9th Jul 2026
Rotherham has been shortlisted to become the UK's first Town of Culture.
15 towns have now been selected from nearly 400 entrants, showcasing their cultural heritage as part of the inaugural competition in 2028.
Those shortlisted towns will receive £60,000 each to prepare their final bids with the overall winner set to be announced early next year.
The towns competing for the title were grouped into categories based on size: small, medium, and large - with Rotherham in the large category.
The UK Town of Culture competition is part of the government’s broader initiative to enhance pride in communities across Britain, similar to the City of Culture project which has already seen events brought to Bradford and Hull.
Which towns have been shortlisted?
Among the small towns are Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, and Stockton Town Centre Ward.
Medium-sized towns include Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, and Port Talbot.
The large town contenders are Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby, and Rotherham.
Lisa Nandy, Culture Secretary, congratulated the shortlisted towns on their achievement:
“I want to say a massive congratulations to the fifteen shortlisted towns and I wish them luck in the next round of the competition."
"The fact that we received so many applications just goes to show how proud people are of their towns. When I launched this competition, I wanted to shine a light on our amazing towns all across the UK and the huge contribution they make to our national life."
"I am so glad that so many towns have applied and I hope each and every town, whether they have been shortlisted or not, is incredibly proud of the work they have done to champion their local community.”
The champion, to be announced next year, will receive a £3 million grant to host a cultural season that aims to create a lasting legacy in 2028.
Additional recognition will be given to two runner-up towns, each receiving £250,000.
"We have an incredible story to tell"
Cllr Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council, said: "The shortlisting for UK Town of Culture 2027 is great news for Rotherham and great recognition of the hard work over many years of the whole partnership."
"From becoming the world's first Children's Capital of Culture to the Women's Euros and our growing local events programme, Rotherham has shown how cultural events can inspire people and bring communities together.
"Our bid was based not on some abstract art, but on the real experience of our community, the people who live here, and the highs and lows we've been through together.
"We have an incredible story to tell - and not necessarily the story others might impose on us.
"It's supported by iconic landmarks such as Wentworth Woodhouse and Clifton Park to events like the Rotherham Show that are woven into the fabric of our lives.
"This shortlist is a tribute to everyone who contributes to making Rotherham such a vibrant and welcoming place."