By Local Democracy & Public Affairs Reporter not affiliated to the BBC LDRS
The landscape of British cultural recognition has shifted this week, as the government officially revealed the fifteen towns shortlisted for the first-ever UK Town of Culture competition.
Out of an overwhelming response of nearly 400 applications, the competition has narrowed down its search for a winner that will host a landmark season of culture in 2028. While Oakham was among the hundreds of hopeful applicants, it has been confirmed that its application was not successful on this occasion.
Despite the outcome, the mood within Oakham Town Council remains forward-looking. The UK Town of Culture committee has noted that the rigorous application process itself provided significant value. By taking part, the committee has gained a wealth of experience and strategic knowledge that is expected to be instrumental in shaping the town’s future projects and cultural initiatives.
Martin Brookes, Chairman of Oakham Town Council, extended his sincere thanks to the committee, acknowledging the dedication and hard work that went into the bid.
The UK Town of Culture competition, launched to mirror the success of the UK City of Culture programme, is a cornerstone of the government’s "Pride in Place" agenda. With the aim of fostering local pride and encouraging investment in areas across the UK, the competition attracted a diverse range of entries from every corner of the country.
Sir Phil Redmond, Chair of the independent judging panel, praised the high quality of the entries, noting that the sheer volume of bids nearly 400 in total demonstrated the profound ambition and cultural depth within UK towns.
"I am sure that... those that didn’t manage it will have found the experience of taking part worthwhile in strengthening partnerships, raising awareness and reminding us all of the depth and spread of the UK’s cultural landscape," said Sir Phil.
The Road Ahead for Shortlisted Towns
The fifteen successful towns have been divided into three categories based on size and will now receive £60,000 each to develop their full, detailed bids.
These finalists will be assessed by the independent panel later this year. The ultimate winner will receive a £3 million grant to host the 2028 season of culture, while the two runners-up in the other categories will each receive £250,000 to support their local programmes.
Though Oakham will not be moving forward to the next round, the town's participation in this national competition serves as a testament to its commitment to celebrating its unique heritage and community spirit. As the town looks ahead, the foundation built during this process is set to support new ways of bringing culture and opportunity to the local area.
