Residents are being invited to have their say as Richmond considers an ambitious bid to become the UK Town of Culture 2028.
Richmond Yorkshire Community Interest Company (CIC) is leading early work on a potential bid and will host a public meeting at Richmond Town Hall on Wednesday, January 14, at 6.15pm, where people can find out more and share ideas.
The move follows an announcement in October by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, who launched a new national competition to select the first-ever UK Town of Culture. The initiative is aimed at small and medium-sized towns and is modelled on the long-established UK City of Culture programme.
Speaking at the launch, Ms Nandy said the competition would recognise the contribution towns across the UK have made to the nation’s cultural life, with the winning town delivering a major cultural programme in 2028.
Although full Government guidance on the bidding process has yet to be confirmed, it is expected that towns will be assessed on their unique story, their plans for a cultural programme, and how they intend to deliver and manage that programme. Events could include theatre, music and dance performances, heritage and arts activities, festivals, public art and community workshops.
The CIC directors believe Richmond is well placed to compete, citing the town’s historic significance, strong cultural identity, and a proven record of delivering community-led cultural events.
The winning town will receive £3.5 million to help deliver its 2028 programme, while shortlisted towns are expected to receive £60,000 to support the development of full bids.
As well as focusing on a potential summer of cultural events, the bid team says it is keen to ensure any proposal delivers a long-term legacy, encouraging greater participation in the town’s cultural life whether the bid is successful or not.
The proposal has already received backing from Rishi Sunak MP, the Member of Parliament for Richmond and Northallerton, and Councillor Stuart Parsons, Richmond’s local councillor.
Mr Sunak said: “I commend the bid team’s ambition for the town. It will be very competitive, of course, but few towns have Richmond’s historic and cultural assets and, just as importantly, the people with the commitment and skills to put together a programme of events we can all be part of and proud of.”
Cllr Parsons added: “We already have a strong cultural presence in the area and this bid, if successful, will enable Richmond and Richmondshire to celebrate all aspects of culture within our incredible assets and landscapes.”
The public meeting on January 14 will give residents the chance to hear more about the Town of Culture initiative, suggest ideas for inclusion in the bid, and find out how to get involved as plans develop.
Tickets are not required, but those wishing to attend are encouraged to reserve a place by emailing admin@richmondyorkshire.co.uk or calling 07740 927 608.
