Newbury Aims for UK Town of Culture 2028

Newbury has thrown its hat in the ring to become UK Town of Culture 2028, sending a digital postcard to the Government.

The competition, launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, will celebrate towns' unique character and stories.

"Everybody deserves the chance to share their pride in the place they call home and to have access to quality art, music, dance and drama wherever they live," said culture secretary Lisa Nandy.

"That is why we are launching the UK Town of Culture, to celebrate towns and help to create a lasting cultural legacy

"We will select the best small, medium and large towns from the full applications we receive.

"One of these will be named UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive £3m, while the other two finalists will each receive £250,000 to deliver an ambitious programme of cultural activity in 2028."

Local councils can submit a digital postcard and a written case setting out their town's cultural vision and heritage.

Shortlisted towns receive £60,000 to £65,000 to develop a detailed bid.

Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter