Bid submitted for West Bridgford to be first UK Town of Culture 2028!
Last updated: 1/4/2026
Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) has submitted 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.
In conjunction with James Naish MP, the Council has contacted the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) with the bid 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: “We’re very pleased this 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.
“Thank you to the officers for formulating the bid, local councillors’ support and to residents who took the time to respond to the MP’s and our recent joint social media survey. Whatever happens we will continue look to invest in all our towns and village centres across the Borough wherever we can, developing enhancement plans in Radcliffe on Trent, Keyworth, Ruddington and East Leake, building on investment in recent years in Cotgrave and Bingham.
“In West Bridgford our internationally recognised sporting venues at The City Ground and Trent Bridge, National Water Sports Centre and Nottingham Rugby are something to treasure. This combined with the offer of green spaces such as Bridgford Park, the croquet lawn and The Hook in Lady Bay provide such a valued blend of leisure, nature and social connection at the heart of West Bridgford.
“We value the role our local businesses play in creating such a vibrant town centre and we will continue to work with them so we can attract ever more residents and visitors to enjoy the environment.
“The cafes, restaurants and retailers really animate our high streets, supported by a proactive Borough Council, West Bridgford Local Area Forum and local friends groups.
“If successful with the bid more events, activities and celebrations will take place, listening and working with local people, businesses and groups so they can shape the features 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.