Eleven Hertfordshire towns are in the running to be named the UK’s first ever town of culture.
The new scheme will see applicants across the county vie for the 2028 title and £3.5 million to help them deliver a cultural programme harnessing what makes them special that summer.
A map of the applicants shared today shows the Hertfordshire locations to put themselves forward are: Hemel Hempstead, Elstree & Borehamwood, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City, Hertford, Ware, Hoddesdon, Tring, and Bishop’s Stortford.
Each has submitted a digital postcard outlining why they should be considered, with Hemel Hempstead highlighting its blend of “heritage and modernity” and Borehamwood putting the spotlight on its importance to film history.
Shortlisted towns will receive £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition.
Watford is understood to not have been put forward due to the council focussing its resources on securing the best deal for the town in the Local Government Reorganisation process.
Announcing the award, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy 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.
“Every place has a story worth telling so I want to encourage towns across the UK to step forward and show us what makes them special.”
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Applications closed at the end of March.
They will be judged on three main criteria:
- Your story - the unique story of the town
- Culture for everyone - how the town will design a cultural programme for all
- Making it happen - how the town will then deliver a successful programme
