Banbury to bid for £3m for programme of cultural activity
27/03/2026
The programme could expand opportunities for local people and improve access to the arts and heritage
Work is underway on a bid for Banbury to be named UK Town of Culture 2028.
Cherwell District Council is working on the project with Banbury Town Council and representatives from organisations such as Banbury Museum, the Mill Arts Centre and Tooley’s Boatyard.
The winning town in the competition will be awarded £3 million to help them deliver a cultural programme during the summer of 2028.
The competition was launched last November and is targeted at small and medium sized towns. At the time Banbury’s MP, Sean Woodcock, encouraged the town’s local leaders to submit a bid.
Following a launch event at the Fine Lady Statue Mr Woodcock said: “I’m delighted to launch Banbury’s bid for Town of Culture with Cherwell District and Banbury Town Council.
“This is a real opportunity to bring people together, show our town at its best and deliver something that will benefit residents and visitors for years to come.”
In addition to the main prize, shortlisted towns will receive £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition.
Councillor David Hingley, Leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “This competition is our opportunity to show the rich, diverse and historic heritage that makes Banbury so special and unique, and to leave a lasting legacy for the future.
“From our outdoor market, thriving community initiatives, popular festivals, grassroots arts and wellbeing projects, to youth sporting programmes, culture is already at the heart of Banbury, and this bid will help us shine a spotlight on the town, its people and its stories.”
The expression of interest will highlight Banbury’s unique identity and set out how a future cultural programme would expand opportunities for local people, improve access to the arts and heritage, and involve communities directly in shaping the programme’s design and legacy.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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