Town of Culture 2028

Something big is brewing in Ledbury

We Have Officially Bid!

The wait is over. On March 31, 2026, the Ledbury Community Hub officially submitted our formal bid to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to become the UK Town of Culture 2028.

 

This submission represents a vital step in rebalancing the UK’s cultural conversation. By bidding for this title, we are advocating for the recognition that rural people deserve, ensuring rural communities are no longer overlooked in national funding and planning. This isn't just a vision for Ledbury; it is a commitment to ensuring that the UK’s rich cultural story is told by every voice, not just those in our major cities.

A heartfelt thank you

A bid of this magnitude simply wouldn't exist without the incredible support of the people who live and work here. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to:

The hundreds of residents who responded to our surveys, shared their stories, and told us what they want for the future of our town. Your voices are the heartbeat of this application.

The many individuals and organisations who gave so generously of their time, expertise, and energy during the bid writing process. From technical planning to strategic vision, your dedication has helped us put together a world-class proposal.

Whether you attended a meeting, filled out a form, or helped us draft a section of the bid, this is your achievement.

An Ambitious Vision for 2028

We are incredibly excited about the program we’ve put together. This isn't just a list of events; it’s a plan to transform our infrastructure and empower our community for generations to come. Key highlights of the "Coming Together to Create" program include:

 

A new performance venue: A professional, 500-seat demountable venue on the recreation ground to host everything from local school performances to major national touring acts.

The £100,000 Youth-Led Prize Fund: Putting real decision-making power and funding directly into the hands of our young people to commission their own cultural projects and creative businesses.

A Reimagined High Street: A pilot "shared-space" initiative to reclaim our historic centre from traffic during festivals, creating a safe, vibrant, and walkable outdoor gallery for cafes to 

Lasting Legacy Improvements: Using the bid as a catalyst for vital infrastructure, including the long-overdue campaign for step-free access at Ledbury Railway Station and a budget hotel on the bypass.

 

What's Next?

The bid is now with the DCMS for review. While we wait for the shortlisting announcement, the momentum we’ve built doesn't stop. The connections made and the ideas generated during this process have already strengthened our community.

 

We will share updates as soon as we have them. Thank you for believing in Ledbury’s potential and for being part of this journey to 2028.