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Grimsby enters race to become Town of Culture

Eleanor MaslinEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
News imageNorth East Lincolnshire Council A group of people are smiling into the camera and holding up blue pieces of paper which say Grimsby GY28 on them. They are wearing work attire and standing in a room in front of a poster behind them.North East Lincolnshire Council
Grimsby will compete against other small and medium-sized towns for the 2028 UK Town of Culture title

Grimsby has officially entered the running to become the UK's first Town of Culture.

The bid to enter the government's competition was endorsed by the Greater Grimsby Board on Friday, North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) said.

The council must now submit its initial expression of interest by 31 March, which will showcase the town's heritage and creative ambitions. The shortlisted towns will be announced later in spring.

NELC leader Philip Jackson said: "Grimsby has a powerful story to tell, and this bid brings together the ambition, creativity and resilience of our communities."

The competition is aimed at small and medium-sized towns. The winner will be announced in 2027 and awarded £3m to help it deliver a cultural programme during the summer of 2028.

Two runners-up will also receive £250,000.

The bid is being backed by both NELC and Horizon Youth Zone, a new charity in Grimsby aimed at providing a safe place for young people and those with additional needs.

'Reflects pride'

Events in Grimsby where people can support the bid:

  • 2025 Group - Grimsby Town Regeneration update on 3 March. Event runs from 17:30 to 20:00 GMT
  • Create NEL drop-in on 5 March between 10:00 and 12:00 at The Business Hive, 13 Dudley Street
  • Our Future's Our House on 9 and 10 March at 17:00
  • Grimsby UK Town of Culture 2028 Workshop on 11 March at 14:00 to 16:00 at Weston Hall, YMCA Humber
  • Love Grimsby on 21 March

Councillor Hayden Dawkins, NELC portfolio holder for culture, said: "This bid reflects the pride and passion of the people of Grimsby."

Melanie Onn, MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, said: "From the moment I first floated the idea of a Grimsby Town of Culture bid, it's been clear that this should belong to the people of our area."

She said the role young people have played in the bid is what "excites" her most.

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