MP wants Banbury to bid for UK Town of Culture
03/11/2025
We could be awarded £3.5 million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028
Banbury’s MP, Sean Woodcock, is encouraging the town’s local leaders to submit a bid to be named the UK Town of Culture.
The winning town in the competition will be awarded £3.5 million to help them deliver a cultural programme during the summer of 2028.
Mr Woodcock says a successful bid could “restore a real sense of pride and belonging in the place we call home”.
The UK Town of Culture competition is targeted at small and medium sized towns, enabling them to tell their unique story. Banbury constitutes a medium-sized town within the competition criteria.
In addition to the main prize, shortlisted towns will receive £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy launched the initiative, along with a separate UK City of Culture competition. She said: “For far too long, too many people have felt left out of our national story. These competitions are our chance to change that by shining a light on the places that have shaped our cultural life, but haven’t always had the recognition they deserve.
“We already know from UK City of Culture that winning, and even bidding for, these titles brings real benefits – jobs, investment, and opportunities for people to get creative and learn new skills. Now I want towns to be able to get these benefits too and that is why I am proud to launch the UK Town of Culture competition.”
Sean Woodcock added: “The Town of Culture competition is a fantastic opportunity for our communities to shine, attracting visitors, investment and new jobs, while supporting the local artists, venues and small businesses that make our town special.
“It’s about celebrating who we are and giving Banbury the platform and backing it deserves, helping to grow our local economy, open up opportunities for young people, and restore a real sense of pride and belonging in the place we call home.”
Mr Woodcock has written to the leaders of Cherwell District Council and Banbury Town Council, detailing the competition and strongly encouraging them to back Banbury’s Town of Culture bid.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
Reader's opinions
