Longton and Newcastle-under-Lyme to bid for UK Town of Culture 2028

Staffordshire puts culture in the national spotlight as Newcastle and Longton bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028

Two Staffordshire towns have announced their intention to compete for the title of UK Town of Culture 2028, as the Government opens expressions of interest for the inaugural award.

Newcastle‑under‑Lyme and Longton will both submit bids that celebrate their heritage, creativity, civic pride and cultural ambition.

Newcastle‑under‑Lyme: A Borough Built on Heritage, Culture and Civic Pride

Newcastle‑under‑Lyme Borough Council has confirmed that it will submit a bid to represent the borough’s rich history, cultural assets and strong community spirit.

Now that expressions of interest have officially been invited, Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said:

“Since first hearing about the Town of Culture proposal a few months ago we have been preparing a first-class bid that reflects the rich history and civic pride of Newcastle-under-Lyme.

“We already have award-winning jewels such as the Brampton Museum, Apedale Heritage Centre and the New Vic Theatre, and a culture of art and innovation which has been developed over centuries and continues to this day.

“We will make a strong case for our unique town and borough and use the bid process to build on our successful Civic Pride campaign.”

In 2023 the borough celebrated the 850th anniversary of its Royal Charter with a year-long programme of cultural activity, culminating in the unveiling of the UK’s first statue of Queen Elizabeth II, a national Britain in Bloom victory, and the creation of the Civic Pride Investment Fund—a long-term commitment to bringing communities together.

Cllr. Craig Skelding, Cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Heritage, added:

“Newcastle-under-Lyme absolutely ticks all the boxes for the UK Town of Culture bid. Our rich heritage and strong sense of community make us exactly the kind of town this competition is designed to celebrate.”

Longton: A Creative, Historic and Distinctive Cultural Powerhouse

Pictured: Queen’s Park Winter Gathering, Longton 2025 c. Urban Wilderness CIC / Andrew Billington

Longton has also announced a bid, seeking to become the first-ever UK Town of Culture.

Rooted in its world-renowned pottery heritage, Longton is today home to a growing creative industry, iconic public artworks, and an increasingly vibrant arts and music scene, giving the town a cultural character unlike anywhere else.

The bid is being led by Urban Wilderness CIC, who previously helped shape the city-wide People’s Parade, working alongside local partners and building on cultural activity already underway in Longton Exchange and across the town centre.

A spokesperson for Longton’s bid said:

“Longton’s bid will attract visitors, drive investment and support culture and creativity across the town as well as the wider city. This is a place with a unique story and a strong cultural identity, and this competition is a huge opportunity to share that with the rest of the UK.”

About the Competition

The new UK Town of Culture programme, launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, aims to:

• boost local economies
• strengthen civic identity
• widen participation in arts and culture

Three towns—one small, one medium and one large—will be shortlisted.
One will be awarded UK Town of Culture 2028, receiving £3 million to deliver a year-long cultural programme.
The remaining two shortlisted towns will each receive £250,000.