Telford to bid for first ever Town of Culture title in 2028
Community leaders have confirmed that Telford will submit a formal expression of interest to become an official Town of Culture in 2028. The move follows the Government’s announcement of a new initiative modelled on the successful City of Culture programme.
The bid aims to highlight the borough’s unique identity, ranging from the industrial heritage of Ironbridge to the innovative growth of the 1960s ‘new town’ and its surrounding green spaces.
Telford & Wrekin Council, alongside town and parish councils and local partners, believe the borough has a compelling case. Work is already underway on a comprehensive cultural strategy designed to bolster local creative organisations and coordinate future investment.
A central part of this vision is the development of a new state-of-the-art theatre in Oakengates, which is set to become a cornerstone of the borough’s cultural activity. In the meantime, the Theatre on Tour programme continues to bring performances to various communities across the area.
The bid also looks to capitalise on recent civic successes, such as the inaugural Telford Day held on 29 November last year, which saw thousands of residents participate in the creation of a new official flag for the town.
Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “The work we already underway across the Borough, from our investment in the exciting new theatre which will boast the biggest auditorium in Shropshire and the renovation of the Town Park Amphitheatre right through to the recent Telford Day and Telford flag initiatives which all helped to bring communities together, gives us so much to shout about right across the whole Borough.
“All of this work will continue to progress over the coming years as we look for the whole Borough to celebrate Telford Day and our 60th birthday in 2028. This celebration will build on the popular programme delivered throughout the town’s 50th year in 2018, as we continue to show off our strong cultural identity and tell our unique story.
“When you then add in Ironbridge, the town that kickstarted the industrial revolution, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary as a UNESCO site later this year and its museums which have been recognised as one of the country’s most treasured assets and is now being run by the National Trust, you really start to see how strong our offer is.
“Ironbridge was also the birthplace of the first footballer to gain 100 caps for England, whilst Dawley was the birthplace of Captain Matthew Webb, the first person to swim the English Channel. When you put all of this together with the unique blend of the Borough’s historic towns and villages and modern ‘new town’ investment and growth you can see clearly how we will present a confident and well evidenced bid.”
The Town of Culture initiative follows the path of the City of Culture title, previously held by cities such as Coventry and Bradford. If successful, the status could unlock significant investment and further elevate the borough’s profile on a national stage.
Councillor Angela McClements, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism, Culture and the Arts, added: “As a Borough, we’re well ahead with developing our cultural strategy, which will support the exciting events programme and help strengthen cultural activity across the Borough for years to come.
“This work is already underway regardless of this national initiative so it would be a missed opportunity not to put it forward to be considered for Town of Culture. If successful, it could open up opportunities for further investment in our cultural programme.”
The initial submission must be sent to the Government by 31 March 2026. Should Telford progress to the next stage, the Council plans to work closely with local residents and stakeholders to shape the final bid.
