Newquay's bid to become the UK Town of Culture in 2028

Wednesday, 28 January 2026 20:36

Credit: Mike Searle

Newquay Town Council and Newquay BID are jointly working to submit a bid in the competition, which is open to small, medium and large towns across the UK and will award funding to deliver a cultural programme during 2028.

The scheme aims to support towns in celebrating their identity and delivering accessible cultural events for residents and visitors.

Three finalists will be chosen – one small, one medium and one large town. The overall winner will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive a £3 million prize. The two runners-up will each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their bid, ranging from refreshed community infrastructure to electric music festivals.

If successful, Newquay would receive investment to support a wide range of activity shaped by the town’s communities and organisations.

The council says the work represents the starting point of a wider process, adding that Newquay has a broad community of individuals, groups, creatives and organisations who already contribute to the town’s cultural life. It acknowledges that many have not yet been approached at this early stage.

Should Newquay be shortlisted, wider engagement would become central to shaping the detailed programme, with the aim of ensuring the bid is community led, collaborative and reflective of the town’s identity.

The emerging focus of the bid includes Newquay’s markets, festivals, live events, surf and coastal culture, food and drink scene, and its expanding creative community. Partners say they want to demonstrate how the town’s growing year-round population is contributing to increased demand for accessible cultural activity beyond the traditional tourist season.

If shortlisted, Newquay would also receive development funding to create a detailed cultural programme, developed in partnership with residents, community groups, event organisers and local businesses to ensure it reflects the town’s identity and long-term ambitions. The project aims to support local talent, strengthen community involvement and build pride in place.

Mark Warren, Manager of Newquay BID, said:
“We are so excited to be involved in working with all the amazing partners across Newquay to deliver a strong Expression of Interest. With such a vibrant and distinctive cultural town, we have a great opportunity to deliver something really special.”

Drew Creek, Mayor of Newquay, said:
“As Mayor of Newquay, I am incredibly proud to announce our bid for UK Town of Culture 2028. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase what makes our town so special on a national stage.

Newquay is defined by its unique environment, world-renowned surf, breathtaking coastline, and a vibrant spirit that resonates year-round. As Cornwall’s busiest visitor destination and a town with the largest permanent population, we have a dynamic, creative, and expanding community. Our cultural life is a powerful blend of our rich coastal heritage and a forward-looking, energetic community spirit.

This bid is about harnessing that energy. It’s a chance to celebrate the talent and passion within our community, support our local businesses beyond the summer season, and build lasting pride in our town. We want to create a cultural programme that is truly by Newquay, for Newquay, reflecting our identity and ambition. I encourage everyone in our community to join us in shaping this exciting journey.”

Newquay Town Council and Newquay BID will now prepare an Expression of Interest ahead of the national deadline. Updates will be shared as the process continues, with further opportunities for wider involvement if the bid progresses.

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