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UK Town of Culture
Witham submits bid for UK Town of Culture 2028
Witham Town Council has formally submitted its Expression of Interest to become UK Town of Culture 2028, marking the next step in an ambitious plan to put the town’s people, places and stories centre stage.
The bid sets out a year‑long programme of events and projects celebrating Witham’s rich history, green spaces and creative talent, while tackling some of the big issues residents have raised.
A key element of the proposal is the creation of an indoor skating rink as part of a new “active arts world” venue, giving children and young people a safe, exciting place to spend time, learn new skills and get involved in creative activities. The bid also proposes converting the former Poundland store into a dedicated arts and cultural space, where local artists and makers can exhibit, advertise and sell their work, helping to bring fresh life and footfall into the town centre.
Over recent weeks, the Town Council has been asking local people what they would like to see in the programme if Witham is successful. This has included a visit by the Mayor and Town Clerk to the School Council at Lift Maltings, where students shared their priorities for culture in the town and completed a short survey. The same survey was launched more widely across Witham, online and at town events, to gather views from residents of all ages on what should be in the bid.
Ideas put forward so far include more free and low‑cost cultural activities, better use of green spaces such as the River Walk and Whetmead Nature Reserve, and new ways to bring Witham’s history and stories, including the lesser‑known tale of James Cooke to a wider audience.
Town Clerk Nikki Smith said:“Our bid has been built from the ground up, with residents, community groups, young people and cultural organisations all helping to shape it. The visit to Lift Maltings and the town‑wide survey were particularly important as young people were very clear about what matters to them, from tackling anti‑social behaviour by bringing back a town centre police station to having spaces like an indoor skating rink where they can be creative and active.”
The Mayor of Witham added:“Witham has a powerful story to tell and a huge amount of pride and talent. Submitting this bid is just the start. Whatever the outcome, we want to keep working with local people to create more chances to take part in culture, support our town centre and bring our community together, whether that’s through new venues, more events or spaces for local artists to thrive.”
If shortlisted, Witham Town Council will receive development funding to work up a full Town of Culture programme in greater detail, with further rounds of consultation planned to ensure local people remain at the heart of the plans.
Residents can stay up to date on the Witham Town Council website www.witham.gov.uk and social media channels https://www.facebook.com/withamcouncil/ and https://www.facebook.com/withamcouncil/ .
Witham to bid for UK Town of Culture 2028
Witham Town Council has confirmed that it will submit a bid for the newly launched UK Town of Culture 2028 title. The national programme aims to shine a spotlight on towns across the country, backing ambitious year‑long celebrations of local culture, heritage and creativity.
If successful, Witham could secure a significant funding package to deliver a major cultural programme for the town. Shortlisted places are expected to receive development funding to work up detailed plans, with the overall UK Town of Culture 2028 winner set to receive around £3 million, and two further finalist towns expected to receive around £250,000 each. This would represent a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to invest in Witham’s cultural life, people and places.
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Councillor Jack Coleman Chair of Community Committee, said:
“Witham has a story worth telling, from our history and river to the many groups, volunteers and creative people who bring the town to life. A Town of Culture bid is a chance to pull those threads together into a clear vision, backed by serious investment. We could unlock substantial funding for new events, projects and spaces that local people have been calling for over many years. We want this to be shaped by residents from the very start, so no idea is too small or too bold. If you care about Witham, this is your invitation to get involved.”
Residents can send ideas and comments by email to withamtownofculture@witham.gov.uk. The Council will also be working with local partners, schools, cultural organisations and community groups to develop themes and projects over the coming months.
The Council will now begin work on an initial bid that tells Witham’s story, built around a series of themes reflecting the town’s people, places and passions. The proposed programme is expected to include a mix of festivals, community events, arts projects and activities for all ages, with a strong focus on local pride, inclusion and participation. The bid will also look carefully how any funding can leave lasting benefits for the town, from skills and opportunities for young people to stronger community networks and improved public spaces.
Residents, community groups and local organisations are being asked to contribute ideas on how potential funding could be invested in the town if the bid is successful. Suggestions could range from new cultural events and trails, to support for local artists and performers, to projects that celebrate Witham’s history, river and green spaces, or create new opportunities for children and young people.
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Further updates on the bid and opportunities to get involved will be shared on the Witham Town Council website and social media channels.