Chesterfield bids to become UK town of culture

Chesterfield will bid to become the UK's first town of culture, the council has announced.

The UK Town of Culture competition, launched by the government earlier this year, offers a £3m funding package for the winning town to deliver a programme of events in 2028.

Chesterfield Borough Council said it was entering a bid alongside the Chesterfield Town Board, as the competition offered the town an opportunity to attract new visitors and showcase the borough's cultural strengths.

This comes after towns across Derbyshire, including Bolsover, Belper, Matlock, Wirksworth, Clay Cross and Buxton, have announced they were considering or had submitted an expression of interest (EOI) in the scheme.

Council leader Tricia Gilby said: "Chesterfield is a town with a proud history and a bright future. Our cultural offer is growing stronger every year, driven by the passion and creativity of our communities.

"Entering the UK Town of Culture competition is a chance to shine a national spotlight on everything that makes Chesterfield special, and to build a legacy that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors alike."

Towns across the UK are being invited to submit an EOI, and the strongest candidates will progress to a shortlist, with each shortlisted town receiving £60,000 in funding towards its final bid.

Three finalists will be chosen by an expert panel, and along with the main prize, the two runners-up will receive £250,000 each to deliver elements of their bid.

The scheme has been launched as part of efforts to "restore pride in communities", with applicants encouraged to showcase their to "unique stories", the government said at the time.

The deadline for EOIs is 31 March, with the shortlist announced shortly afterwards and a winner confirmed by early 2027.

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