Redditch for Town of Culture 2028

Redditch Borough Council and partners from across the region are excited to announce they have formally decided to move forward with making a bid to showcase Redditch as the UK’s Town of Culture in 2028.

Built on the back of the City of Culture programme which has run since 2009, The UK Town of Culture is a new national competition that has been launched by the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) to celebrate the cultural identity, heritage, and creativity of towns across the country.

The programme aims to spotlight the unique stories of local places, drive economic and social regeneration, and create long-lasting cultural legacies.

The decision was made after partners from the Cultural Compact for North East Worcestershire held talks with Council representatives to determine if it was felt an application would be viewed as credible.

A robust recommendation was made to proceed as it was felt Redditch, with the strong cultural role that it plays in North Worcestershire and further afield, would make a good candidate for the designation.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Sharon Harvey, said: “Redditch has always been a town with heart.

“Our Town of Culture bid will shine a national spotlight on our incredible town. Redditch is full of vibrant, diverse and creative communities and beautiful parks and open spaces.

“This is our moment to shout from the rooftops how proud we are of our town and I am delighted at the support and enthusiasm we have seem from our partners and our MP Chris Bloore.”

Collaboration will sit at the heart of Redditch’s Town of Culture journey. Partnership working - across community groups, cultural organisations, education providers, local businesses, and regional stakeholders – will be paramount to developing a strong and meaningful bid.

By bringing together a wide range of voices, skills, and perspectives, we’ll be working alongside partners to build a collective vision that truly reflects the richness and diversity of Redditch.

The process begins with the submission of an Expression of Interest by the end of this month, with successful towns finding out if they have been shortlisted to submit a full bid just before the Summer.

Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Cllr Juliet Barker Smith, said: “This isn’t just a cultural programme, it’s a movement.

“We want every resident to see themselves in the stories we tell and help shape the future of our town. Redditch has so much to offer, and I am so excited we have another opportunity to show the world just how great we are.”

If Redditch were to become the UK Town of Culture for 2028, it would mean an investment from Government of £3 million in the town to deliver a yearlong festival of culture with national and international profile.

Three towns will be shortlisted as finalists for the designation of Town of Culture 2028: one each of small, medium, and large towns. Due to the population of Redditch, the town will fall into the large category.

Two follow-up winners will each be awarded £250k to support cultural activity.