Stockton launches bid to be UK Town of Culture 2028

Stockton is hoping to take the title in the competition, a new national scheme created by the UK Government to promote economic growth, boost pride of place, and expand access to the arts.

Cllr Lisa Evans, Leader of Stockton Council, said: "There is so much for us to be proud of in Stockton, from the rich history that has shaped our story and culture to our unique and hugely popular festivals and celebrations, and it’s time to show the world exactly why the town is so special.

"We would encourage residents, businesses, investors and visitors alike to get behind our ambitious UK Town of Culture bid and help us shape a programme that showcases everything that makes Stockton town such a remarkable place."

The winning town will receive £3 million to deliver an ambitious cultural programme in 2028.

Two runners-up will each be awarded £250,000 to support elements of their proposals.

Stockton’s bid is being developed by a collective of cultural partners, town centre venues, and the council, and centres around the themes of Connection, Creativity, and Confidence.

The programme aims to explore how culture and towns serve community happiness.

The town’s case is built on its substantial historical influence, from the first passenger train arriving in the town 200 years ago on the Stockton and Darlington Railway—which transformed forever how the world traded, travelled and communicated—to John Walker’s invention of the friction match and the construction of D-Day landing craft.

The bid also highlights Stockton’s vibrant festivals and venues, including the Globe, Arc, The Georgian Theatre, and Ku.

Every summer, the Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) transforms the town centre with performances and a community carnival, attracting both local and international artists.

Stockton is also positioning itself as a model for 21st century town centre regeneration, with the soon-to-open Stockton Waterfront urban park promising to reconnect the town with the River Tees.

Cllr Evans said: "Stockton helped shape this country and Stockton is now redesigning itself and ready to be a national cultural blueprint again.

"Being crowned Town of Culture 2028 would amplify this connectivity and provide a once-in-a-generation boost for community confidence.

"Stockton has always been a town in which culture has the greatest power to make a difference to people’s lives and bring different communities together.

"For us that mutual care and humanity IS our culture, how we are and how we live, in public, together.

"Our culture is one of shared experiences, communities standing side-by-side, revelling in joy and wonder.

"This is a culture we are proud to promote to the world."

Richard Drake, of Drake the Bookshop on Silver Street, said it was "particularly fitting" that the bid comes during the National Year of Reading.

Mr Drake said: "We have been honoured to be a part of the fabric of the town of Stockton for the last 10 years or so and equally thrilled to be involved in the application process as Stockton looks to become the Town of Culture.

"It seems particularly fitting that we can shout from the rooftops about what a rich and vibrant feel the town has during the National Year of Reading.

"Over the years we have been proud to bring many children’s authors to Stockton and we are always blown away by the level of enthusiasm and engagement that the children have shown and this recognition would only serve to bolster the way the next generation feel about literature, music, and the brilliant community."

Alexander Ferris, chief executive and creative director at ARC, described the competition as a chance to put Stockton "on the national stage."

Mr Ferris said: "For us at ARC, Stockton has always quietly been a town of culture.

"This opportunity would give us the chance to turn the volume up, inspire the next generation and celebrate the voices and stories of young people, communities and artists who call Stockton-on-Tees home."

The UK Town of Culture 2028 competition is open to towns of all sizes, with a shortlist to be announced later this spring.