Partners explore bid for UK Town of Culture status for Northampton
24 February 2026
Cultural organisations and community partners in Northampton are exploring entering an initial Expression of Interest (EOI) for UK Town of Culture status - a new national competition delivered by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), designed to celebrate the unique cultural identity and creative ambition of towns across the UK.
The competition invites places of all sizes to articulate their cultural vision and community-led programming, with the ultimate winner receiving £3 million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028, and two category finalists awarded £250,000 each. Shortlisted places will also receive development support funding to strengthen their full bids.
WNC, together with key cultural partners from across Northampton’s arts, heritage and community sectors, including Northampton Town Council, is in the early stages of considering a formal EOI submission. This initial EOI phase is a formal yet exploratory step in the process, allowing local partners to outline their vision and readiness to deliver a creative cultural programme in 2028.
The EOI deadline is 31 March 2026, submissions will then be assessed by an expert advisory panel against criteria including the town’s unique story, cultural accessibility, partnership strength and delivery capacity. Shortlisted places will be announced in Spring 2026, with full application guidance then published and further development support awarded.
Northampton is a place with a rich cultural story, full of creativity, community spirit and heritage that deserves to be celebrated on a national stage.Cllr Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said
We are pleased to be working with partners to explore submitting an initial Expression of Interest. This first formal step enables us to begin shaping our shared vision and to consider the wider benefits this bid could bring for residents, visitors and local organisations.
We’re still early in the process, engaging with stakeholders and understanding the scope of what a Town of Culture bid could look like for Northampton. This is about collaboration, ambition and showcasing the very best our town has to offer.
If Northampton’s initial EOI is submitted and selected for the shortlist, WNC and partners will work together to develop a full bid with the support of DCMS funding and guidance. Moving forward, this collaboration aims to highlight Northampton’s distinctive cultural identity, strengthen local creative partnerships and build a compelling case for UK Town of Culture status.
Northampton has a fascinating and distinctive story, from its medieval royal castle and links to the Crusaders and War of the Roses, to its rebirth after the Great Fire of 1675 and its world-class boot and shoe industry.The Mayor of Northampton Cllr Jane Birch
In 2025, the 350th anniversary commemorations of the fire and the hosting of several matches for the Women’s Rugby World Cup brought communities and organisations together, showcasing the town’s passion, partnerships and pride through a wide variety of events.
As Mayor, I have witnessed the creativity and commitment of so many local groups. There is a rich cultural life in the town, fortified by the history and heritage that has shaped the places in which we live and work, and evident in the many community-led festivals and projects supported by the town council.
Northampton has the capacity, ambition and confidence to become the 2028 Town of Culture. This is an exciting opportunity to share everything we are proud of and to celebrate our unique identity.