Penrith Town Council has confirmed that it has submitted an Expression of Interest by the 31st March deadline for Penrith to be considered by Government as the potential UK Town of Culture for 2028, setting out an ambitious and community‑focused vision for celebrating the town's culture, heritage and creativity, rooted in partnership working and local collaboration.
The decision to submit the Expression of Interest was agreed at the Council's Communities Committee meeting on Monday 23 March 2026. The submission recognises both the opportunity to raise Penrith's profile and the strong appetite locally for creative activity, collaboration and cultural participation, regardless of the bid outcome.
If taken forward, the approach would focus on working closely with the town councils Penrith Arts & Culture Group and a wide range of local organisations, artists, volunteers and community groups to build on existing strengths and collaborations already taking place across the town.
Cllr Barbara Jayson, Communities Committee Chair & Deputy Mayor, said:
"Penrith has a strong sense of place and a creative spirit that is rooted in its communities, and it has so much to offer. Submitting this Expression of Interest is about recognising that strength and creating an opportunity to showcase Penrith's culture, heritage and creativity more widely.
"This is an exciting opportunity to work with local organisations, volunteers and residents to celebrate what makes Penrith distinctive, support participation, and explore how a coordinated cultural programme could raise the town's profile while bringing people together."
Submitting an Expression of Interest is the first stage of the UK Town of Culture process and represents a low‑risk opportunity to explore what a larger, coordinated cultural programme could deliver for Penrith. If shortlisted, the Council would work with its Penrith Arts & Culture Group, partners and the wider community to develop a full application. Organisations or individuals with an interest in the project are encouraged to contact the Council via email: office@penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk.
Government is expected to reveal a list of all towns across the UK bidding to become the first town of culture in 2028, Government will award bid development grants of £60,000 to each of the shortlisted places which are invited to submit a full application to become the 2028 town of culture.
A Government appointed panel will select the best small, medium and large towns from the full applications they receive. One of these will be named UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive £3 million, while the other two finalists will each receive £250,000 to deliver an ambitious programme of cultural activity in 2028.
Along side Penrith other towns in Cumbria that are hoping to become the 2028 Town of Culture are Ulverston, Barrow-in-Furness, Kendal, Kirkby Lonsdale, Maryport and Workington who will be competing against other towns like North Shields, Stockport and Great Yarmouth to become the UK's first Town of Culture.
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