Hexham to Bid for First-Ever UK Town of Culture

Hexham Cultural Network has confirmed it is working in partnership with Hexham Town Council on an Expression of Interest to put the town in the running for UK Town of Culture 2028.

Launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the new UK Town of Culture competition is aimed at small and medium-sized towns, inviting them to showcase their unique stories and the vital role they play in national life. The winning town will receive £3.5 million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028.

It has been launched as part of efforts to "restore pride in communities" with applicants encouraged to showcase their "unique stories", the government said.

Hexham’s bid will centre on the town’s powerful border heritage — drawing inspiration from the history of the Border Reivers and the enduring spirit of resilience, independence and community that continues to shape Hexham and the wider Tyne Valley today. Hexham has always been a frontier town — shaped by borderlands, built from upheaval and defined by a fiercely independent spirit that continues to drive its cultural life. From the legacy of frontier life to a thriving contemporary cultural scene, the application will explore how place, landscape and identity have forged a town that balances strong local character with outward-looking creative energy.

The bid builds on the momentum and partnerships developed through Hexham’s Arts Town initiative, while representing a distinct and ambitious next step for the town. It is being developed by Hexham Cultural Network — made up of representatives from Queen’s Hall Arts, Hexham Book Festival, Théâtre Sans Frontières, Hexham Abbey, Forum Cinema, Hexham Community Partnership, Core Music, North East Museums and Hexham Library — in partnership with Hexham Town Council.

Katy Taylor, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Queen’s Hall Arts, said: “We’ve seen first-hand what can be achieved when we collaborate — from large-scale events like Hexham Lantern Parade and Hexham Pride to community-led projects that bring people together. This opportunity feels like a natural next step for Hexham. It gives us the chance to build on the town’s already rich cultural offer, deepen our partnerships and think ambitiously about what culture can do for our community — while raising Hexham’s profile on a national stage.

We’ve already begun conversations with local organisations and residents, and we’re open to hearing from anyone who would like to share ideas to be part of shaping the application.”

Penny Grennan, Hexham’s Deputy Mayor, added: “This is an exciting opportunity to celebrate Hexham’s distinctive heritage and vibrant cultural life. We look forward to working closely with partners and the wider community to put forward a strong and inspiring application.”

The Expression of Interest will be submitted by the deadline at the end of March. Anyone who would like to share thoughts or ideas to help shape the bid is invited to email the Queen’s Hall Box Office team at [email protected], and messages will be forwarded to Hexham Cultural Network for consideration.