Has your town made the shortlist for UK Town of Culture?
Those shortlisted will receive £60,000 each to prepare their final bids
Last updated 9th Jul 2026
15 towns have now been selected from nearly 400 entrants, showcasing their cultural heritage as part of the inaugural competition.
The 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.
The competition is part of the government’s broader initiative to enhance pride in communities across Britain through cultural investment.
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.”
Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, highlighted the inclusion of Welsh towns, Port Talbot and Pontypridd, and their cultural significance:
“Congratulations to Port Talbot and Pontypridd on being shortlisted for the UK’s Town of Culture. Both places have a rich heritage that should be celebrated - and I am so pleased to see them get the recognition they deserve."
The independent judging panel, led by Sir Phil Redmond, will evaluate the final bids before selecting an overall winner.
The champion 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.