Penrith could be left out of the race to become the UK’s first Town of Culture in 2028 and the millions in government funding it would deliver to benefit the town as the deadline looms Westmorland and Furness Council plan to lead on a bid for Barrow. To become the first town of culture in 2028.

The Government launched in January the new UK Town of Culture competition for 2028, giving towns across the country the chance to showcase their heritage, creativity and community spirit.

The competition is open to small, medium and large towns, with the winning location set to deliver a vibrant cultural programme. Plans could include new arts venues, performances, workshops and community events, showcasing local visions and voices.

The initiative aims to bring millions in investment into towns, create a lasting sense of pride and open the doors to the arts and culture for everyone.

The judging panel who select the first town of culture will be led by Sir Phil Redmond, who will head an expert group assessing bids based on how towns tell their unique story, how they bring communities together and how they deliver on their cultural vision.

Three towns will be shortlisted — one small, one medium and one large — and each will receive £60,000 to develop a full bid to become the town of culture.

The winning town will receive £3 million to deliver a cultural programme during the summer of 2028.

Two runners-up will also receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their proposals, ranging from refreshed community infrastructure to electric music festivals.

The deadline for Expressions of Interest for the UK Town of Culture 2028 competition is 31 March 2026, with the shortlist of towns expected to be announced this spring.

With just 23 days to go until the deadline, more than 20 towns across the UK have already announced plans to bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “There is so much for us to be proud of in the towns we’re from - from the rich, local history to unique festivals and celebrations. They have shaped our national story for decades. Now it’s time they take centre stage and showcase the unique stories they have to tell.”

She added “We have seen the transformative power of culture through the UK City of Culture competition. I want to make sure that towns have the same opportunity to make a real difference to their local community and show the world exactly why their town is so special.”

Within Westmorland and Furness, three towns have indicated interest in applying — Barrow, Kendal and Penrith.

Kendal recently unveiled its bid to become the town of culture in 2028, with a public launch event led by Kendal Town Council.

No details have yet been announced publicly about any potential Penrith bid to become the first Town of Culture, but Westmorland and Furness Council has said interest has been indicated along with other locations in the council district.

However, on the 17th March, the council leadership will meet in Barrow Town Hall and will be asked to vote to approve that Westmorland and Furness Council leads a bid for Barrow to become the UK’s first Town of Culture in 2028.

The council has said:

“Having reviewed and considered the strategic fit, deliverability, capacity and likelihood of success – it is recommended that the Council leads one bid - and Barrow is selected as the Council supported Town of Culture bid.”

The council added: “This approach aligns with national priorities (including levelling-up narratives), maximises the catalytic effect that culture can deliver, and builds on existing cultural regeneration initiatives in Barrow.”

The authority also said it is keen to add value to other localities interested in applying.

It pointed to Kendal, where the bid is being led by Kendal Town Council, and to other towns which have approached the council, such as Kirkby Lonsdale.

Westmorland and Furness Council said it will provide officer support and endorsement to these bids.

The Department for Culture, Media & Sport, the Government department leading the competition, said:

“We expect bids to be from a partnership for your bidding place and include the relevant local authorities.”

It added:

“The relevant local authority will need to be in a dedicated role in the bid partnership.”

With just 23 days to go before the deadline, and no public announcement of a Penrith Town of Culture bid led by the town council or other stakeholders, alongside the council recommendation that it leads a bid for Barrow in Furness, Penrith could be left out of the running to become the UK’s first Town of Culture in 2028.