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. This is the time to do it; we have lots of great opportunities in town with different community groups, we have Discover North Walsham on the horizon and we have our great community theatre – the Black Swan Theatre – right in the centre of town!
We want as many people to take part in the process from completing our online survey (it takes 2 mins, using the button below) or taking part in a focus group or more.
What is the competition?
The UK Town of Culture competition is open to all towns across the country. The winning town will deliver a year‑long cultural programme filled with creativity, celebration and engagement from the community.
Towns need to submit their Expressions of Interest by 31st March 2026. The strongest bids will progress to a shortlist expected to be announced this spring, with each shortlisted town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition. Three finalists – one small, one medium, one large town – will be chosen.
The winner will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive a £3 million prize. The two runners-up will each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their bid, from refreshed community infrastructure to festivals.
Applications for UK Town of Culture 2028 will be judged on three main criteria:
- Your story – the unique story of the town
- Culture for everyone – how the town will design a cultural programme for all
- Making it happen – how the town will then deliver a successful programme
The bids for the 2028 title will be assessed by an independent expert advisory panel chaired by Sir Phil Redmond.
If you are an organisation or business who wants to support and shape our story, please email joseph@newstages.co.uk.
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. You could get involved by:
- Completing our community survey
- Sharing your ideas for events and activities
- Volunteering your time or skills
- Partnering as a local organisation or business
- Attending a focus group (RSVP via the online survey)
Together, we can build something ambitious, inclusive and uniquely North Walsham.
Attend a Focus Group: All are welcome!
Wednesday 11 March
6.45-7.45pm in the Parlour, back of the Black Swan Pub
Thursday 12 March
2-3pm in the Parlour, back of the Black Swan Pub
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.
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.
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.
Young people
We are especially keen to hear from young people in our town; please help spread the word about our survey and forward on any ideas!
Thank you
This is an exciting time for our town and we’re glad you can be part of it. Please do keep in touch with us; with your ideas and pop in and support your local Communty not-for-profit pub and theatre! Read more