Town of Culture bid aims to celebrate creativity

Northampton is hoping to become the first Town of Culture, to celebrate a place full of culture, creativity, community spirit and heritage.

West Northamptonshire Council said it wanted to submit an initial expression of interest by the end of next month.

The new competition, which was announced in January, will see a winner given £3m to deliver a cultural programme in 2028, and two other finalists given £250,000 each.

Mark Arnull, the Reform UK council leader, said the town had a rich cultural story that "deserves to be celebrated on a national stage".

The council said it was working with Northampton Town Council and the arts, heritage and community sectors.

Arnull said Northampton was a "place with a rich cultural story, full of creativity, community spirit and heritage".

He added: "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.

"This is about collaboration, ambition and showcasing the very best our town has to offer."

Mayor Jane Birch said she had "witnessed the creativity and commitment of so many local groups" and the town had a story with links to the Crusades and the War of the Roses, as well as its "world-class boot and shoe industry".

The shortlist is set to be announced later in the spring 2026.

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