Market Harborough Submits Bid to Become UK’s First Town of Culture
Written by HFM News on 1st April 2026
Market Harborough has submitted its initial bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture.
The proposal, titled The Grand Union, is led by Harborough District Council and backed by local businesses, arts organisations and community groups.
It aims to celebrate more than 800 years of the town’s history as a meeting place at the heart of the Midlands, from its medieval markets to the arrival of the Grand Union Canal and its role in shaping modern tourism.
Church Square, Market Harborough
The bid has been developed with partners including Creative Harborough, Harbs Collective, the Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Leicestershire County Council’s museums and libraries service, and the Canal and River Trust.
Councillor Jo Asher, the council’s cabinet lead for culture, leisure, economy and tourism, said the town has “incredibly strong foundations” and that the bid could help build a vibrant future by bringing culture and commerce together.
Claire Webb from Creative Harborough said the designation would be a powerful opportunity to celebrate the town’s identity and strengthen the community.
The government competition offers a top prize of £3 million, with a shortlist of finalists expected in the coming months.
