Have your say on a Llangollen bid to become UK's first Town of Culture

 

Local people are being invited to have their say on whether Llangollen should make a bid to become the UK’s first official Town of Culture and land a large cash prize.

The  Town Council is currently looking at entering the newly-launched contest, which is a national initiative from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

This invites towns of all sizes across the UK to showcase original storytelling and accessible, empowering cultural activity.  

And to gauge support for a Llangollen bid the council is hosting a public meeting in the Town Hall on Tuesday February 10 to which anyone interested is invited to attend.

A council spokesperson said: “This is an open invitation to community groups, cultural and heritage organisations, local businesses and anyone passionate about Llangollen’s future. Come along, share your ideas, and be part of the conversation. Let’s explore what we can achieve together.”

Modelled on the success of the UK City of Culture, the competition aims to highlight the vital cultural contribution of towns to the national story.

DCMS will award winners across three size categories - small, medium and large - with one overall UK Town of Culture selected from these.

The winning town will receive £3 million to deliver a six‑month cultural programme in 2028, while category finalists will receive £250,000 each to develop elements of their proposals. 

The council spokesperson explained: “Beyond the prize funding, the bidding process itself has been shown to strengthen local pride, deepen community collaboration, and support long‑term cultural development.

“Previous participants in the City of Culture programme have reported significant benefits, including stronger partnerships, improved cultural leadership and greater access to local heritage and the arts. 

“To be eligible, bidding places must demonstrate the capability to manage, fund and deliver a programme that meets the competition criteria.

“Bids are expected to be submitted by a partnership including relevant local authorities and a designated Lead Applicant.

“Llangollen Town Council is prepared to take on the required role within such a partnership, working alongside community groups, cultural organisations, local businesses, and other stakeholders. 

“As part of our commitment to ensuring that the community shapes this potential bid, the council sends out a warm invitation to the public meeting at Llangollen Town Hall on February 10, which starts at 6.30pm that evening.”