Places around Norfolk and Waveney are hoping their unique communities, history and stories will set them on a path to become the UK’s first Town of Culture.
Seaside resorts and a collective of rural market towns are among those that have expressed an interest in the new accolade.
Similar to City of Culture, the scheme encourages smaller communities to show off what makes them great – and how they could do better – with the winner given £3m to boost arts, music, literature and theatre throughout 2028, and beyond.
The Department for Culture will reveal its shortlist later this spring before the winner is announced early next year. Here’s a look at the five bids:
Cromer and Sheringham
Cromer’s Pavilion Theatre says it has the world’s last summer season pier show [Martin Barber/BBC]
The neighboring towns are known for their “friendly rivalry” but have much in common, said Liberal Democrat Liz Withington, the cabinet member for community, leisure and outreach at North Norfolk District Council.
Cromer Pier, Sheringham Little Theatre and Cromer Art Space were among its cultural spaces, she added. If successful, the Department of Culture cash would also boost the surrounding area and arts education.
“It’s about overcoming some of the inequalities we face of being able to access culture and not have to travel long distances to see live music, exhibitions, or take part in workshops,” she added.
Wells-next-the-Sea
Wells-next-the-Sea is one of the smaller entrants on the list [Paul Moseley/BBC]
Simon Daykin, of arts organization Wells Maltings, said the town had a rich maritime heritage, a resilient community and a strong visitor economy.
“It’s not just about pieces of art, it’s about making things relevant for people’s lives and bringing communities together under a common aim.
“In Wells, you’ve got many things going on in unusual places, incredible cultural events in tiny spaces, celebrating the very essence of what this town means to us.
“What we are concentrating on is galvanizing that and making it a massive celebration of what it is to be in this town.”
Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft
Carl Smith, the leader of Conservative-led Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said 2028 was already shaping up to be an exciting year for the town.
The Venetian Waterways will be 100 years old, the Hippodrome will celebrate 125 years and the Out There Festival will have been running for two decades.
“We will also be reopening the Winter Gardens in that year, so we think this fits in perfectly with our culture and tourism offer,” he said.
“It will give opportunities for young people to develop their skills, community cohesion and improved health and well-being.”
Waveney Valley
The Corn Hall stages cultural events and shows in the center of Diss [BBC]
This bid includes Diss, Harleston and the Suffolk towns of Beccles, Bungay and Halesworth.
Adrian Ramsay, the Green MP for Waveney Valley, said the area was a cohesive community, with the wildlife, landscape and big open skies a big part of its culture.
“It’s also about the people and the history, and if you bring those things together it’s a really strong offer.
“So many artists and creatives have come to the area.
“In Halesworth we have the INK Festival, which showcases 15 new plays, and a school program engaging young people in arts – and that’s the kind thing we could do far more of.”
Thetford
Thetford’s history goes back more than 2,000 years as the ancient capital of East Anglia, with connections to revolutionary thinker Thomas Paine, the Maharajah Duleep Singh and steam engineer Charles Burrell.
Sarah Sugget, deputy leader of Conservative-run Breckland District Council, said it was keen to highlight its other attractions to visitors, some of whom traveled from as far as New Zealand for its Dad’s Army Museum.
“I think the likes of Diss and Thetford have to work a bit harder to show what we have to offer,” she added.
“We are all a bit guilty of not appreciating what we have on our doorstep.
“I think if we can do something like this, get the youth out there and bring our communities together, only good can come of this.”
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