Northampton’s Town of Culture Journey
We are incredibly proud to have submitted Northampton’s bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture 2028.
The bid was developed to celebrate Northampton’s unique story and showcase the role culture plays in shaping our town. From internationally recognised shoemaking heritage and thriving creative industries to major events, cultural organisations and diverse communities, culture continues to be a powerful force for pride, identity and opportunity across Northampton.
The opportunity enabled us to set out a bold vision for the future, highlighting how culture can support regeneration, wellbeing, skills development, tourism and economic growth.
An Update on our Bid
The UK Town of Culture shortlist was announced in July 2026 and Northampton was not selected to progress to the next stage.
Although naturally disappointed, we are extremely proud of the bid submitted on behalf of Northampton and the collaborative effort that shaped it. The bid gave us an opportunity to celebrate the people, organisations and cultural activity that make Northampton such a vibrant and distinctive place.
Importantly, this does not mark the end of the journey. Many of the conversations, partnerships and ambitions developed through the bid process will continue through wider cultural development work and the emerging Culture Strategy for West Northamptonshire.
Northampton is the largest town at the heart of England
Northampton is the largest town at the heart of England, shaped by a rich heritage of making, migration and cultural expression – from historic landmarks and global shoemaking traditions to diverse communities, festivals and creative voices that define its identity today and into the future.
Our Town of Culture 2028 vision brings together this heritage, strong partnerships, cultural infrastructure and regeneration to deliver an ambitious and inclusive programme that celebrates place, drives participation and repositions Northampton as a distinctive cultural town.
Our programme will bring this vision to life through four bold themes:
- ‘Making and Makers’ will celebrate the town’s internationally recognised leather craft and making heritage through artist residencies in factories and markets, maker trails, repair cafés and contemporary craft exchanges.
- ‘New Town New Voices’ will commission new writing, performance and screen work; expand multilingual storytelling and deliver site-specific theatre in parks and estates through environmental arts, public realm projects and commissions.
- ‘Everyday Culture’ will showcase creative technology, gaming, motorsport culture, the River Nene and rail corridor, using cross-sector collaborations with science, technology, engineering and mathematics industries and education partners.
- ‘Living Heritage’ will establish regular, town-wide use of grassroots venues, creating a new monthly cultural experience that highlights existing events and supports emerging artists.
Partners explore bid for UK Town of Culture status for Northampton
Press release published 8 April 2026
Cultural organisations and community partners in Northampton are exploring entering an initial Expression of Interest (EOI) for UK Town of Culture status – a new national competition delivered by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), designed to celebrate the unique cultural identity and creative ambition of towns across the UK.
The competition invites places of all sizes to articulate their cultural vision and community-led programming, with the ultimate winner receiving £3 million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028, and two category finalists awarded £250,000 each. Shortlisted places will also receive development support funding to strengthen their full bids.
WNC, together with key cultural partners from across Northampton’s arts, heritage and community sectors, including Northampton Town Council, is in the early stages of considering a formal EOI submission. This initial EOI phase is a formal yet exploratory step in the process, allowing local partners to outline their vision and readiness to deliver a creative cultural programme in 2028.
The EOI deadline is 31 March 2026, submissions will then be assessed by an expert advisory panel against criteria including the town’s unique story, cultural accessibility, partnership strength and delivery capacity. Shortlisted places will be announced in Spring 2026, with full application guidance then published and further development support awarded.
Thank you to our Partners
We are proud to be working in partnership with a wide range of cultural organisations, communities and creative leaders to bring this ambition to life.
Together, these partnerships form a powerful network of collaborators helping to shape and deliver Northampton’s cultural future.
Thank you to everyone who supported Northampton’s Town of Culture bid and contributed their time, ideas, creativity and passion throughout the process. We are grateful to the organisations, partners and communities who came together to support and shape Northampton’s Town of Culture bid.
The bid may have reached its conclusion, but the relationships, ideas and opportunities it has created will continue to inform and strengthen Northampton’s cultural future.
We look forward to building on this momentum through partnership working, cultural investment and the delivery of the emerging Culture Strategy for West Northamptonshire.
Find out more about the UK Town of Culture programme here. Shortlist for UK Town of Culture revealed – GOV.UK
60 Miles
60 Miles by Road or Rail is delighted to be supporting Northampton’s Expression of Interest to be the UK’s first Town of Culture. Through our interdisciplinary projects spanning theatre, photography, publishing, filmmaking, audio and shopping-centre takeovers, we’ve seen first-hand the pride, connection and sense of belonging that comes from championing the people of Northampton. The Town of Culture is a phenomenal opportunity to bring Northamptonian communities together, spark ambitious creative activity all year round and raise the creative pulse of our hometown as a place where everyone can thrive
78 Derngate
Charles Rennie Mackintosh was one of the most individual and creative designers of the 20th Century and at the edge of Northampton’s Cultural Quarter sits a house which he remodelled! Commissioned in 1916 by the local businessman and town councillor, WJ Bassett-Lowke, the house is now fully open to the public complete with original features and wonderful replicas! Galleries, shop, restaurant and extended gardens alongside this iconic house are open from Sunday to Tuesday, 11 months of the year. Not only do we welcome hundreds of local visitors through the doors, but also devoted Mackintosh enthusiasts from all over the world! We encourage local artists and makers to exhibit in the shop and galleries and our team of volunteers – who take keen ownership during their weekly sessions – help us to remain open to the public. Schools, colleges and the University have all sent groups along for guided tours or specialist art projects inspired by the genius of Mr Mackintosh. If Northampton was to gain the coveted title of Town of Culture I think it would not only give greater pride and confidence to the locals who work and live here but would further encourage visitors from outside the town to come in and see for themselves exactly what a rich tapestry of assets we have to offer.
Northampton Film Festival
Northampton Film Festival shines a spotlight on Northampton, and Town of Culture is a perfect opportunity to highlight what immense creativity and culture we have, as well as developing the next generation of talent, so that everyone knows that Northants is kind of a big deal….
DELAPRE ABBEY
As one of Northampton’s most important heritage landmarks, Delapré Abbey has played a central role in the town’s cultural and civic life for more than 900 years. Following a major restoration programme that brought this historic site back into public use in 2018, and a current project to restore the 19th-century stables as a wellbeing hub, the Abbey has become a thriving space for creativity, learning and community engagement, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. Alongside its heritage offer, Delapré delivers a vibrant cultural programme, from large-scale installations by renowned artist Luke Jerram and annual Winter Light Trail to festivals, exhibitions, performances and wellbeing events. As a proud partner in Northampton’s transformation, Delapré Abbey continues to connect the town’s rich history with its ambitious cultural future.
NORTHAMPTON TOWN CENTRE BID
Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led partnership dedicated to making the town centre a more vibrant, welcoming and prosperous destination. Working on behalf of levy-paying businesses, the BID invests in projects and initiatives that enhance the visitor experience, support local enterprise and strengthen Northampton’s reputation as a place to live, work and visit.
From delivering high-profile events and seasonal campaigns to improving the public realm, promoting independent businesses and championing the town’s rich heritage, the BID plays a central role in shaping the future of Northampton. The BID works collaboratively with local authorities, cultural organisations, community groups and businesses to drive regeneration, increase footfall and attract investment.
As a key partner in the We Are Northampton UK Town of Culture bid, the BID is committed to celebrating the town’s creativity, diversity and heritage, ensuring culture continues to play a vital role in Northampton’s economic growth, community pride and long-term success.
NORTHAMPTON TOWN COUNCIL
Northampton Town Council brings people, places and partnerships together to create a thriving and culturally rich town. As the largest town council in England, we invest in communities through grants, events and local projects that celebrate our rich heritage, champion creativity and preserve our civic history.
The success of the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire commemorations and the hosting of matches during the Women’s Rugby World Cup demonstrated Northampton’s ability to unite communities and organisations around shared moments of celebration. Building on this momentum, we continue to support community-led festivals and creative opportunities that make culture accessible to everyone and help shape a confident future for Northampton.
Albanian Cultural Association
Albanian Cultural Association (Charity No. 1212370) is a Northamptonshire-based charity dedicated to building stronger, more inclusive communities through culture, education and wellbeing.
We support over 2,000 people every year by delivering a free Albanian language school, family wellbeing programmes, youth activities, cultural celebrations and practical community support.
We believe culture should be experienced every day, not only during festivals. By bringing people from different backgrounds together, we help reduce isolation, celebrate diversity and create opportunities for everyone to participate in the cultural life of Northampton.
We are proud to contribute to Northampton’s journey towards becoming the UK’s Town of Culture 2028.”
N Live Radio
NLive Radio is Northampton’s dedicated local radio station, broadcasting on 106.9FM, DAB, and online (web, app and smart speakers) to connect people across the town with the stories, music and voices that matter most locally.
Run by passionate local volunteers, the station delivers a vibrant mix of local news, interviews, community features and music from the 80s to today, alongside specialist programming that reflects the diversity of Northampton.
NLive Radio plays a vital role in supporting local initiatives, showcasing businesses and events, and offering training opportunities that help people develop new skills and confidence.
At its heart, NLive Radio exists to bring communities together, celebrate Northampton, and give a platform to the people who live, work and create here.
Arts Collective
Arts Collective is proud to support the Town of Culture bid as a vital opportunity to reposition Northampton as a place of ambition, creativity, and civic pride.
This bid aligns closely with our mission to build a more inclusive, artist-led cultural infrastructure that connects people, place, and ideas.
It will strengthen local economies, expand opportunities for artists and communities, and help establish a long-term cultural legacy that benefits residents and future generations alike”
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Jodie Mitchell Artist and Community Advocate
Jodie Mitchell is a dedicated artist and community member, building connections across the county’s arts scene.
Her work explores sustainability and community ties. She is currently developing two pilot projects to uplift locals and address sustainability challenges. As a partner , she connects individuals, creating initiatives that reflect crucial community values and unite artists and community members to tackle sustainability issues.
I support this proposal because our area has a vibrant creative network that needs stronger connections. Skilled artists need funding to link with the community and drive change. This funding is vital for our pilot projects and could establish Northampton as a leader in innovative projects.
Royal and Derngate
Royal & Derngate is proud of its reputation as a thriving regional theatre.
An important entertainment hub for all communities across Northamptonshire and beyond, our three-stage and cinema complex is home to an acclaimed Made In Northampton self-produced drama programme as well as welcoming some of the most well-known acts and shows touring the UK.
In recent years we have celebrated Stage, Olivier and Academy Awards nominations, notably including a prestigious win for Best Family Show at the 2020 Oliviers, and being named the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre in the 2025 UK Theatre Awards.
As important as the work on our stages, the theatre’s nationally recognised Creative Engagement programme works with schools, families and communities, and the Generate development programme supports hundreds of regional artists each year, at all stages of their careers.
As a central part of the town’s creative community, we are delighted to be a partnering in the bid for Northampton to become the UK Town of Culture.
Northamptonshire Community Foundation
Northamptonshire Community Foundation connects people who care about Northamptonshire with the local charities and community groups making a difference every day. As the county’s leading independent grant-maker, we connect generous donors with small charities and community groups tackling local challenges every day. Since 2001, we have awarded more than £25 million in grants, supporting grassroots organisations that strengthen communities, tackle disadvantage and create opportunities for local people.
From town centres to rural villages, our work is rooted in a deep understanding of Northamptonshire and the people who call it home. By bringing together donors, businesses and community partners, we help channel local generosity into lasting local impact.
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we’re proud to continue supporting the communities, organisations and individuals who make Northamptonshire a vibrant, resilient and welcoming place. We are looking ahead to the next 25 years with ambition: to grow generosity, respond to urgent need and help Northamptonshire thrive for generations to come.