Scunthorpe Bids for UK Town of Culture 2028

A bid has now been submitted, and it’s one that puts local people right at the heart of the story. Residents, community groups and businesses across North Lincolnshire are being invited to get behind the proposal and help shape what a year of culture in Scunthorpe could look like.

At its core, the bid is about visible, everyday change – the kind you can feel as you walk through your own neighbourhood. Think empty shop units coming back to life, parks buzzing with activity, events popping up beyond the town centre, and young people leading creative projects of their own. Even the most familiar spaces could become part of something new, unexpected and cultural.

The bid was officially launched earlier this month in Church Square, bringing together students, local artists, community representatives and business owners to mark the moment and show the breadth of support already building behind the idea.

The next milestone comes in June, when a shortlist for UK Town of Culture 2028 is expected to be announced. Towns that make it through will then be invited to develop more detailed plans – and for Scunthorpe, that could be the start of an exciting new chapter.

Find out more about the bid on the North Lincolnshire Council website.