Oxfordshire towns snubbed for UK Town of Culture award

Despite multiple applicants from the county none were shortlisted for the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028 title.

Among those to put their name in the ring were Abingdon, Banbury, Carterton, Henley-on-Thames, and Wallingford.

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In addition, Kidlington – which became a town in February – was put forward.

Shortlisted towns will receive £60,000 to work on their full bids with the winner to be announced next year.

Henley-on-Thames (Image: Supplied)

They include Basildon, Birkenhead, Corby, Great Yarmouth, Grimsby, Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Leith, Pontypridd, Port Talbot, Rotherham, Sandown, Strabane, and Stockton Town Centre.

The UK Town of Culture competition is part of the government’s ambition to restore pride in local areas and follows the announcement of the Pride in Place Programme last year.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “I am so glad that so many towns have applied and I hope each and every town, whether they have been shortlisted or not, is incredibly proud of the work they have done to champion their local community.” 

The shortlisted towns were recommended by the independent panel chaired by Sir Phil Redmond.

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He said: “I look forward to visiting those towns that have made the list and I am sure that, just like City of Culture, those that didn’t manage it will have found the experience of taking part worthwhile.”

The UK Town of Culture 2028 will receive a £3 million grant from the government, with two runners-up to receive £250,000 each to carry out part of their programme. 

The winner will go on to host a season of culture in 2028.