Richmond has missed out on a place on the shortlist for the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028 competition after a highly competitive selection process.
In a letter sent to applicants today (Thursday), the Department for Culture, Media and Sport confirmed that Richmond’s bid had not been selected for the final shortlist.
The competition attracted 398 applications, with an independent expert panel choosing just 15 towns to progress to the next stage.
Writing to applicants, UK Town of Culture chair Sir Phil Redmond said: “Unfortunately, on this occasion, your application has not been selected for the shortlist.”
He acknowledged the disappointment many communities would feel but encouraged unsuccessful bidders to continue building on the work undertaken as part of their applications.
He said: “Although you may be disappointed that your application has not been selected, we hope you will regard your participation as a part of a continuing journey rather than a single outcome. The work you and your communities have undertaken has value, and we encourage you to continue building on that work.”
Sir Phil added that the competition had received “an exceptionally strong and diverse range of applications” and said the panel had been “overwhelmed by the response” to the inaugural contest.
He thanked all entrants for taking part, adding: “It is only through the willingness of towns and their communities to share their stories that the UK Town of Culture can fulfil its purpose.”
Richmond’s bid had brought together local organisations, businesses, artists and community groups to showcase the town’s cultural heritage and ambitions. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said unsuccessful applicants will receive further support and guidance from the programme team on developing their cultural plans in the future.
The 15 towns in the running for a £3 million government grant for a year of culture are below.
Small towns:
- Ilfracombe
- Isle of Bute
- Lerwick
- Sandown
- Strabane
- Stockton Town Centre Ward
Medium towns:
- Corby
- Great Yarmouth
- Leith
- Pontypridd
- Port Talbot
Large towns:
- Basildon
- Birkenhead
- Grimsby
- Rotherham
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Than you for this It would be interesting to know what criteria the judges had for “The town of culture”I am biased but Richmond had a very good case .It will continue to be a wonderful town
and a great place to call home.Well done the team who put the bid together