Bid being outlined for West Bridgford to be first UK Town of Culture 2028!
Last updated: 27/3/2026
Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) is exploring a bid for West Bridgford to become the first UK Town of Culture 2028 - a UK government competition that could see it scoop millions in prize money to boost its cultural, heritage and sporting links.
The Council, in conjunction with James Naish MP, is preparing a bid for the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) contest to highlight the town’s close and distinctive relationship between people, place, sport and everyday culture.
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Transformation, Leisure & Wellbeing Cllr Jonathan Wheeler said: “The bid gives us the opportunity to showcase the unique wonderful local community we have in West Bridgford and how it could drive even further into the national and international eyeline as a cultural centrepiece of the UK.
“It’s so impressive how we match the presence of internationally recognised sporting venues at The City Ground and Trent Bridge with our green spaces, such as Bridgford Park, the croquet lawn and in Lady Bay and offer a rare blend of leisure, nature and social connection at the heart of a town centre. We want to shout about it and showcase it even more.
“We know the proximity to sport and our environment including Nottingham Rugby and The National Water Sports Centre has shaped the town’s identity for generations, influences how local people experience culture and we want to do all we can to build on that with this bid.
“Anything that can help local businesses is vital too. We know local people and those from much further afield enjoy our independent cafés, restaurants and retailers that animate our high streets, supported by a proactive Borough Council, the West Bridgford Local Area Forum and Central West Bridgford Community Association.
“We know this can be a strong story for the judges about how this strengthens local identity and celebrates our community values. Funding from UK Town of Culture 2028 would only create more opportunities for culture to be lived every day with more events, activities and celebrations centered around engagement with local groups but that can make for regional and national focus.
“Rest assured if we are successful the bid would be about being as inclusive as possible, listening and working with local people and groups so they can shape the events and take on the legacy after 2028.”
If successful, the winner of the competition will receive £3m to develop projects in their town. There’s £250,000 for two finalists and £60,000 each for shortlisted places.
Cllr Wheeler added: “We know there will be some tough competition nationally but West Bridgford’s potential is significant and with our tourism and sporting charters progressing we want to work with partners to maximise it for local residents and everyone’s benefit.”
You can read more about the UK Town of Culture competition on the Government website.