The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) have recently announced details of the UK City of Culture 2029 competition, which has a deadline for submitting an Expressions of Interest of 23:59 on Sunday 11th January 2026. Further information, guidance and details about how to submit an Expression of Interest can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Alongside the UK City of Culture 2029 competition, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport have also publicised a new UK Town of Culture 2028 competition, targeted at small and medium sized towns, enabling them to tell their unique story and shining a spotlight on the important role that towns play in the UK’s national life. 

The UK Town of Culture 2028 competition will open to applications shortly.

Detailed criteria about the Town of Culture competition are yet to emerge. However, DCMS has said that the winning town will be awarded £3.5 million to help them deliver a cultural programme during the summer of 2028, harnessing what makes their town special. Shortlisted towns will receive £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition. 

Applications for the competition will be judged on three main criteria:

1. Your story – the unique story of the town.
2. Culture for everyone – how the town will design a cultural programme for all.
3. Making it happen –  how the town will then deliver a successful programme.  

The DCMS press release about the UK Town of Culture 2028 competition, which also includes details of the UK City of Culture 2029 competition, can be found on the GOV.UK website.