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Five towns. One Scunthorpe – bid submitted for UK Town of Culture 2028

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A bid has been submitted to bring UK Town of Culture 2028 to Scunthorpe, with residents and businesses across North Lincolnshire being asked to back the town’s proposal.

Rather than focusing on venues or one-off events, the bid centres on visible change across neighbourhoods – empty units back in use, parks filled with activity, events happening beyond the town centre, young people leading projects, and everyday spaces becoming part of what’s on offer.

Scunthorpe was built from five towns – Ashby, Brumby, Crosby, Frodingham and Scunthorpe. The bid uses that as its starting point, aiming to bring activity into every part of the town.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We know there are challenges – every town has them – but there is real strength in the communities across Scunthorpe, and that’s what this bid is built on.

“This is the start of the journey. We’re putting our hat in the ring and making the case for Scunthorpe on a national stage.

“We want people to get behind this, to take part and to help tell the story of the place they live – because the best stories about Scunthorpe come from the people who know it best.”

The initial expression of interest has been funded through external funding, not local taxpayers’ money. If successful, up to £3m of additional investment could be secured to support activity across the town.

What people will actually see:

  • Shuttered high street units turned into working studios, pop-up workshops and places you can walk into, not walk past
  • Parks filled with activity – outdoor performances, installations and events where there’s usually just empty space
  • Neighbourhoods putting on their own events – from street-level festivals to food, music and community-led activity
  • Young people leading projects – creating digital work, exhibitions and events, building real skills and portfolios
  • Workplaces and everyday spaces opening up – with activity happening alongside daily life, not hidden away in venues

The expression of interest, submitted by North Lincolnshire Council and partners, sets out how that funding would be used to turn everyday spaces into places where things happen – from neighbourhood events and maker spaces to youth-led digital projects and activity in workplaces and community venues.

Scunthorpe is up against towns across the country, from Blackburn and Barnsley to Redditch and neighbouring Grimsby, with more than 20 already submitting bids.

With hundreds of places showing interest, only a small number will make the shortlist.

The programme is designed to support skills, improve wellbeing and strengthen local connections, using culture as a practical tool rather than a standalone offer.

A shortlist for UK Town of Culture 2028 is expected in June, with shortlisted towns invited to develop more detailed plans.

The post Five towns. One Scunthorpe – bid submitted for UK Town of Culture 2028 appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

Original Source .

March 30, 2026 |