Market Harborough Pushes Ahead in Bid to Be UK’s First Town of Culture

Market Harborough is pressing ahead with its bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture.

Harborough District Council says the proposal already has support from community groups, voluntary organisations, and residents, with a first meeting planned to decide how best to showcase the town.

The government’s competition aims to boost local pride, with a top prize of £3 million, and the submission deadline is the end of March.

Market Harborough Town Centre Pic: Andy Carpenter

Cllr Phil Knowles, leader of the council, said: “We have our first partner meeting coming up soon where we will be discussing our cultural assets, our cultural sector groups and focussing in on how we want to position and present our bid.

“Our Town is steeped in heritage, it has a very active cultural sector, and we already put on some fantastic events, but I am also convinced that there is more to do and more we can support.

“Anything we can do to raise the profile of our Market Harborough town will be of great benefit to our town centre businesses and also to enriching the lives of our residents.”