Barnstaple could bid for UK Town of Culture 2028

Barnstaple could bid to become the UK Town of Culture 2028 if discussions are successful, the North Devon Gazette understands.

The Gazette can reveal that conversations have been taking place between community leaders and interested groups to see if there is potential appetite to take the initiative forward.

However, North Devon Council have not formally confirmed this. 

A council spokesperson told the Gazette: “The details around the opportunity to apply for ‘Town of Culture 2028’ have only recently been released. We recognise that this is an exciting opportunity for our towns and will continue to work with our partners to see if there is appetite and capacity to submit a bid(s).”

The competition, launched by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), is open to towns of all sizes across the UK, except areas within Greater London.

The winning town will receive £3 million to deliver a year-long programme of cultural activity in 2028. Two runners-up will each receive £250,000, while all shortlisted towns will be awarded a development grant of £60,000.

The contest aims to celebrate towns and their communities while creating a lasting cultural legacy.

Bids will be judged on three main criteria: telling the town’s unique story, designing a cultural programme accessible to everyone, and demonstrating how the plans will be delivered through partnership and engagement.

Applicants are encouraged to showcase a broad definition of culture, including visual arts, literature, music, theatre, dance, architecture, crafts, heritage, film, photography, and the natural environment.

Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 31 March 2026. DCMS will host an online information session for interested towns on 21 January 2026.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the competition offered towns the chance to “make a real difference to their local community”. She added: “Great culture is not confined to our largest metropolitan centres; it is everywhere, rooted in communities across the country.”

If Barnstaple does submit a bid, it would join towns across the UK aiming to showcase their unique stories and boost local pride, with the first title set to be awarded in 2028.