Birkenhead has taken a major step towards national recognition after being shortlisted to become the UK’s first Town of Culture.

The Wirral town is one of just 15 locations across the UK to make the shortlist from almost 400 applications, with the winner set to receive £3 million to deliver a year-long programme of cultural events in 2028.

As part of the next stage of the competition, Birkenhead will receive £60,000 to develop its full bid before judges select finalists ahead of announcing the overall winner early next year.

Birkenhead Competing To Become The UK’s First Town Of Culture

The new government initiative aims to celebrate towns with strong cultural identities while encouraging tourism and community pride.

Birkenhead has been shortlisted in the large town category alongside Basildon, Grimsby and Rotherham, with the eventual winner securing the £3 million funding package to host a major cultural programme throughout 2028.

The judging panel, chaired by Sir Phil Redmond, considered hundreds of applications before selecting the final 15 towns, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy describing the response as evidence of the pride communities have in where they live.

What Winning Town Of Culture Could Mean For Birkenhead

If successful, the title would place Birkenhead at the centre of a nationwide cultural programme, bringing new events, performances and investment while showcasing the town’s heritage, creativity and growing arts scene.

The competition has been created to shine a spotlight on towns across the UK, helping attract visitors, encourage regeneration and create new opportunities for local communities through arts and culture.

Birkenhead’s bid builds on ongoing regeneration projects across the town, with culture playing an increasingly important role in its future ambitions. 

The overall winner of the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028 competition is expected to be announced early next year.

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