Ilkley fails to make UK Town of Culture shortlist

Ilkley's digital postcard was part of the application [Image: Ilkley BID]

Ilkley has failed to make the shortlist for the UK’s first Town of Culture.

The proposal was led by Ilkley Business Improvement District (BID) and supported by Ilkley Town Council in consultation with other local organisations, and aimed to celebrate the town’s rich arts, heritage, culture and creativity.

Other local towns including Keighley, Otley and Harrogate applied without success.

Fifteen towns have been shortlisted after nearly 400 places from across the country entered the landmark competition, those fifteen will now compete for the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028 title.

The shortlisted towns are: 

• Small towns: Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, and Stockton Town Centre Ward

• Medium towns: Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, and Port Talbot

• Large towns: Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham

Shortlisted towns will receive £60,000 each to develop their full bids, which will be assessed by the independent judging panel. One finalist will then be selected from each category with the overall winner being announced early next year.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "I want to say a massive congratulations to the fifteen shortlisted towns and I wish them luck in the next round of the competition. 

"The fact that we received so many applications just goes to show how proud people are of their towns. When I launched this competition, I wanted to shine a light on our amazing towns all across the UK and the huge contribution they make to our national life. 

"I am so glad that so many towns have applied and I hope each and every town, whether they have been shortlisted or not, is incredibly proud of the work they have done to champion their local community."