The Leader of Bradford Council, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, has welcomed the Government’s announcement of a new UK Town of Culture competition, saying it highlights how culture-led regeneration can create lasting benefits across cities, towns and rural communities alike.
Her comments came as the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) confirmed that the first Town of Culture title will launch in the coming weeks, offering £3.5 million to the winning town to deliver a summer programme of cultural events in 2028.
Cllr Hinchcliffe said the announcement builds on Bradford’s experience as UK City of Culture 2025, where cultural activity has already reached every corner of the district.
“Today the Secretary of State for Culture has seen some of the wonderful cultural institutions, both old and new, that have played a key part in this year and will now go on to be an important part of our future beyond 2025,” said Cllr Hinchcliffe.
“We’ve made sure from day one that our year as UK City of Culture has reflected the whole of the district and the brilliant, diverse communities we have here. There are so many wonderful stories being told about our people and our place. It’s that authenticity I’d commend to other cities and towns thinking of bidding for 2029.”
The Town of Culture competition will focus on smaller and medium-sized towns, encouraging them to share their unique stories and use culture to inspire local growth and connection.
According to DCMS, shortlisted towns will receive £60,000 to develop full bids, while the winning town will receive the £3.5 million grant to deliver its cultural programme in 2028.
The announcement came alongside the official opening of the UK City of Culture 2029 competition, which will include a £10 million prize for the next host city. For the first time, longlisted areas will receive funding to develop bids, and the rules have been widened to include larger towns and joint regional partnerships.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the new competitions will celebrate the diversity of towns and cities across the UK: “Every place has a story worth telling. I want to encourage towns across the country to step forward and show us what makes them special.”
The statement follows a mid-year review of Bradford’s cultural impact in 2025, which has already seen:
- Over 11,000 pupils benefit from cultural education programmes
- More than 40,000 residents participate in local cultural events
- 2,000 volunteers from every ward take part in activities
- 4,000 people complete creative training and skills programmes
Dan Bates and Shanaz Gulzar, Executive and Creative Directors of Bradford 2025, said the model had proved that embedding creativity across a district can bring lasting change.
“We’ve seen artists bringing creativity to care homes, murals brightening streets, performances in parks, and investment in cultural spaces that will benefit generations to come,” they said.
Bradford will officially hand over the UK City of Culture title in 2026, but Cllr Hinchcliffe says its legacy will continue: “Our experience shows that culture can unite communities and drive regeneration. We’re proud to have led the way, and to see the next generation of towns and cities ready to take up the challenge.”
