Harrogate faces Scarborough and Barnsley in race to become UK's first-ever Town of Culture

With the clock ticking down on the March 31 deadline for Harrogate to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Government’s UK Town of Culture 2028 competition, Harrogate can now, at least, see who the opposition is likely to come from.

The battle for the brand new title is proving to be as fierce as for the longer-established UK City of Culture competition with list of contenders growing each day.

Everyone from Jarrow to Stornoway, Loughborough to Alnwick is preparing to throw their hats into the ring.

Shropshire Council has confirmed its support for not one but six Town of Culture bids by locations in its area.

Closer to home, Harrogate's rivals are set to include Richmond, Whitby, Scarborough, Helmsley, Halifax, Barnsley and Keighley.

The UK Town of Culture 2028 competition is open for Expressions of Interest (EOI) until March 31, 2026, inviting towns to showcase their unique heritage and cultural potential to boost local pride and regeneration.

Harrogate Town Council has taken the reins on the town’s bid, forming a steering group of different figures in culture from across the town and supplying the funding to launch an expression of interest.

It is believed the first details will be released next week.

Coun Chris Aldred, Town Mayor of Harrogate, said “Harrogate has a rich cultural history and we see this as an opportunity not only to celebrate this history but as a way of looking forward and showing the rest of the country what a diverse and welcoming town Harrogate is,” he said.

Not only can Harrogate boast a long list of major festivals, organised by Harrogate International Festivals, there are also weekly events at Harrogate Theatre, The Royal Hall and Harrogate Convention Centre.

Also adding to the town’s rich arts scene are Harrogate BID, Mercer Gallery and several independent art galleries, such as RedHouse Originals, and live music venues such as the Blues Bar, the Bilton Club and The Den.