St Neots bidding for UK Town of Culture 2028

St Neots has announced its campaign to become the first UK Town of Culture.

The winner of the contest for 2028 will be awarded £3m and will have the chance to showcase cultural events during the year.

The bid by the Cambridgeshire town is led by the Neotists community interest company (CIC), which describes itself as a collective of more than 350 creative professionals.

Neotists CIC co-founder Richard Slade said new housing developments, the East West Rail project and the new A428 would all help boost their chances.

The contest will run alongside the existing UK City of Culture competition.

Slade, who is also mayor of St Neots, said it was a "really exciting opportunity".

"We're in an ideal position where there are lots of people who want to go and do things," he said.

Slade pointed out that Neotists had delivered four festivals with about 35,000 attending across all four events.

He said if they won their bid, they would use the money to set up a range of events, featuring pantos, comedy and tribute acts.

Sunny Mann, who owns an Indian coffee shop, said the town was "people‑oriented".

"We all get along with each other," he said.

"I feel it will make a tremendous difference to the High Street because we need a little bit more character."

Nikki Derrick, who lives in St Neots, said she had not heard about the bid, but said: "I think go for it.

The 55-year-old said the market town had "a little bit of everything for everyone".

"There is a lot going on in St Neots, great potential and we need to get more people to enjoy what is here."

Ruth Noonan, who has lived in the town her whole life, commented: "I am proud of my town, but it has deteriorated and we need to bring more back to the town."

She wants more entertainment and more that celebrates St Neot's history.

Candidates that are shortlisted will be handed £60,000 to help with their efforts.

Three finalists will then be chosen by a panel of judges and the two runners-up will receive prizes of £250,000 each.

Neotists CIC said it would invite residents, organisations and businesses to reflect the ambitions and identity of the town.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "We have seen the transformative power of culture through the UK City of Culture competition.

"I want to make sure that towns have the same opportunity to make a real difference to their local community and show the world exactly why their town is so special."

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