Following the announcement by government that Penrith has not been shortlisted for the next stage of the Government’s Town of Culture 2028 inaugural competition that attracted 398 applications from across the UK.
The town council is attempting a positive spin on its bid failure saying that “Although the town will not progress further in the competition, the bid has already helped to build stronger local partnerships, generate fresh ideas and create new momentum for future cultural activity in Penrith”.
The town council claims Penrith’s bid was built around the themes of place, people and purpose. Informed by existing partnerships and engagement with local creative and cultural organisations, it set out a vision for a year-long cultural programme shaped by the town’s heritage, landscape, creative communities and civic life.
Although the town council decision to submit a bid for the 2028 town of culture was made in the final week of entries with no wider public or community engagement on proposals in contrast to the large scale engagement and promotion of proposals by other towns entering the competition.
The council said its bid focused on making culture more visible and easier to access, using Penrith’s streets, parks, venues, shopfronts and public spaces to bring people together and celebrate the town’s stories, skills and creativity.
It also explored how arts and culture could support wider community needs, including town centre vitality, wellbeing, social connection, volunteering, skills development and opportunities for young people and early-career creatives. Ideas included new town centre events, pop-up exhibitions, have-a-go workshops, walking routes, heritage storytelling, creative commissions and activities that encourage residents, visitors, community groups and local businesses to take part.
Councillor Val Bowen, Chair of Penrith Town Council and Mayor of Penrith, said:
“While we are naturally disappointed that Penrith has not been shortlisted, we should also be proud of the strength of the bid and the ambition it showed for our town. With 398 applications submitted and only 15 selected for the shortlist, this was an extremely competitive process.
“The process has still been extremely worthwhile. It has brought new energy to conversations about arts and culture in Penrith, strengthened the Town Council’s Arts and Culture Group and reminded us that the work our communities are doing has real value. We now want to build on that momentum by bringing more organisations and community groups together, widening participation and celebrating the creativity that already exists across Penrith. I would encourage anyone who wants to be involved to come forward and help us make Penrith shine.”
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