North Walsham is a proud market town with a big cultural heart.
We are coming together (residents, businesses, schools, creatives and community groups) to submit an Expression of Interest to become the UK Town of Culture 2028.
This is our opportunity to celebrate who we are, tell our story and shape an ambitious cultural future for our town.
Our vision
North Walsham will be a town where culture is part of everyday life — visible in our streets, shared in our spaces, and created by our people.
By 2028 we aim to:
- Celebrate our rich heritage and independent spirit
- Support local artists, performers and makers
- Create opportunities for young people to lead and participate
- Bring culture into public spaces, the Market Place, businesses and homes
- Make creativity accessible, affordable and inclusive for everyone
We want culture to drive community pride, wellbeing, skills and local economic growth.
Why North Walsham?
North Walsham has:
- A strong history as a market town and centre of trade
- A growing independent business community
- Active voluntary groups and community organisations
- Schools and young people ready to be part of change
- Underused spaces with huge creative potential
Most importantly, we have people who care deeply about their town and want to shape its future.
What we’re planning
We have to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), to be in the running for the competition, by 31 March this year.
Our EOI sets out a programme that could include:
- Festivals celebrating local heritage and creativity
- Live music, theatre and performance
- Arts trails and public art projects
- Workshops and skills programmes for all ages
- Youth-led cultural events
- Creative use of empty shops and public spaces
- Partnerships with local venues, cafés, pubs and schools
This will not be a one-year project — it will create a lasting cultural legacy.
Community at the centre
This bid is being shaped by the people of North Walsham; in with a steering group.
We are:
- Running town-wide surveys for adults and young people
- Holding community conversations and workshops
- Working with local organisations and businesses
- Creating opportunities for volunteering and co-creation
We want everyone to have a voice in what culture looks like here.
How you can get involved
North Walsham’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and community.
UK Town of Culture 2028 is our chance to tell that story — and to write the next chapter together.
You can support the bid by:
- Completing our community survey
- Sharing your ideas for events and activities
- Volunteering your time or skills
- Partnering as a local organisation or business
Together, we can build something ambitious, inclusive and uniquely North Walsham.
A lasting legacy
Being named UK Town of Culture would:
- Increase pride in our town
- Create opportunities for young people
- Support local businesses and the high street
- Improve wellbeing and community connection
- Attract visitors and investment
But regardless of the outcome, this journey will help us build a stronger cultural future together with connected groups, a strong vision and an ambitious plan.
Join Us
Let’s make it happen.
Volunteer with us
Culture is created by people — and volunteers will be at the heart of North Walsham’s UK Town of Culture journey.
We are building a welcoming, inclusive volunteer programme that gives residents the chance to shape events, learn new skills, meet new people and take pride in their town.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering is a chance to:
- Be part of something exciting for North Walsham
- Meet new people and build friendships
- Learn skills in events, arts, heritage, and community projects
- Gain experience for your CV or career
- Share your knowledge, creativity, and ideas
- Help make culture accessible to everyone
No previous experience is needed — just enthusiasm and a love for our town.
Ways to Get Involved
There will be a wide range of roles, including:
- Event support and stewarding
- Workshop and activity assistants
- Heritage and town guides
- Marketing and social media support
- Creative project helpers
- Youth mentors and peer leaders
- Community outreach ambassadors
- Practical support (set-up, signage, welcoming visitors)
There will be flexible opportunities to suit different ages, abilities and time commitments.
Training and Support
All volunteers will receive:
- A friendly welcome and induction
- Training relevant to their role
- Ongoing support from the Town of Culture team
- Opportunities to develop new skills
- Recognition and celebration of their contribution
We are committed to making volunteering accessible, inclusive and rewarding.
Young volunteers
We are especially keen to create opportunities for young people to:
- Lead youth-led events
- Gain work experience in arts and culture
- Build confidence and leadership skills
- Help shape the programme for their generation
This will be a key part of our long-term cultural legacy.
Register your interest
If you would like to volunteer, we’d love to hear from you.
👉 Sign up to our volunteer list
👉 Tell us your interests and availability
👉 Be the first to hear about opportunities
Together, we can make North Walsham’s cultural future something everyone is part of.
New Stages 