Market Harborough To Bid To Become UK’s First Town Of Culture

Market Harborough is preparing a bid to become the UK’s first ever Town of Culture.

The government has launched the competition to boost local pride, with the winning town receiving £3m and two runners-up awarded £250,000 each.

Harborough District Council is working on the bid and Leader, Cllr Phil Knowles, said it will showcase the town’s thriving creative and cultural sector and wide range of community events:

Market Harborough town centre

Towns have until the end of March to register their interest, with the strongest entries progressing to a shortlist.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “There is so much for us to be proud of in the towns we’re from – from the rich local history to unique festivals and celebrations. They have shaped our national story for decades. Now it’s time they take centre stage and showcase the unique stories they have to tell.”

To ensure towns of all sizes are represented, the three finalists will include one small town (under 20,000 population), one medium town (20,000–75,000), and one large town (over 75,000).