Ilkley has announced its intention to submit an Expression of Interest for the UK Town of Culture 2028, a new initiative from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
The bid, led by Ilkley Business Improvement District (BID) and supported by Ilkley Town Council in consultation with other local organisations, aims to celebrate the town’s rich arts, heritage, culture and creativity.
As part of the competition, Ilkley will compete for the chance to host a six-month cultural programme in 2028, supported by £3 million in funding. Two finalists will receive £250,000 each to further their cultural development.
Sarah Brookfield-Almond, Manager of Ilkley BID, which will serve as the Lead Applicant, shared her excitement:
"We may be a small town, but we have an exceptional reputation for our cultural offerings, including the Ilkley Literature Festival, our thriving theatre venues, arts scene, and youth initiatives. Our community's spirit of collaboration shines through in events like the Ilkley Beer Festival, the Ilkley Half Marathon, and the Fountain Restoration Project, to name just a few. These initiatives have been key in Ilkley being voted the Best Place to Live in the UK, and we’re eager to build on this momentum and make culture accessible and inclusive for everyone."
Ilkley Mayor, Councillor Jane Gibson, said:
"Ilkley has always had a strong cultural identity, rooted in its history as a spa town with a vibrant arts scene. With this bid, we’re excited to highlight what makes our town unique and share our community-led culture and creativity with the rest of the UK. We have a great track record of coming together to deliver big projects, and there's a real sense of pride and engagement in everything we do. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to become the first UK Town of Culture and show the country just how special Ilkley is."
The UK Town of Culture 2028 competition is open to all towns outside Greater London without city status, regardless of size. The initiative aims to empower communities, amplify local stories, and increase access to culture across the UK.
For more information, contact Sarah Brookfield-Almond at: info@ilkleybid.co.uk.
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