Skegness bids for UK's first Town of Culture title

Skegness is vying to become the UK's first Town of Culture in the hope the title will "shine a light" on the seaside resort, the council says.

Skegness Neighbourhood Board, which is a group of people from the local community, businesses, and council, announced it will submit an expression of interest in the competition.

Dozens of towns across the country have entered the race. The winner will be awarded £3m to deliver a cultural programme lasting about six months in 2028.

Graham Marsh, deputy leader of East Lindsey District Council, said: "Skegness is a thriving and diverse cultural area, and this bid is a brilliant opportunity to highlight that to the rest of the country."

The competition is similar to City of Culture, which began in 2013, but is aimed specifically at small and medium-sized towns.

Each town will be judged against a set of aims and criteria, such as a strong, compelling local story and high-quality arts, heritage and creative industries.

The deadline for expressions of interest is 31 March, with the winning town due to be announced in 2027.

Announcing its bid, Paul McCooey, chair of Skegness Neighbourhood Board said the resort was well known as a "welcoming holiday resort" with a strong local history, well‑known landmarks, and events happening all year round. But fewer people were aware of its growing creative and cultural side.

"Now, the UK Town of Culture Competition gives us a fantastic chance to shine a light on our impressive offer, and Skegness Neighbourhood Board is proud to submit this bid for the town," he said.

McCooey explained how a recent consultation showed creative activities mattered to local people and there "is a clear enthusiasm for more", saying the title would allow for further investment and opportunities.

Marsh said: "We consistently receive feedback from local residents about how much they value arts, heritage and year round cultural activity, and this competition allows us to build on that enthusiasm and ambition."

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