7 reasons this underrated West Midlands town steeped in Anglo-Saxon history deserves to be UK Town of Culture
This charming market town in the West Midlands should be a contender for the prestigious title of UK town of culture, as it showcases a range of unique heritage and vibrant community.
At the Express & Star we love to celebrate the countless West Midlands towns that make the region so special and unique.
One such town that we believe deserves heaps more praises than it already does is the market town of Stafford.
This is an underrated town is located about 15 miles (24 km) away from Wolverhampton and offers a perfect respite from those wanting to escape Wolverhampton for a day-trip.
One way that the town can perhaps raise its profile is by being in the running for the first-ever UK Town of Culture competition, which would highlight the area's distinctive identity and community spirit.
Towns across the UK have until 31 March 2026 to submit their Expression of Interest UK Town of Culture 2028, with the shortlist of towns expected to be announced this Spring.
Stafford Borough Council has stated that they are still in discussions on whether a bid will be made.
A spokesperson for the Council told us, "We are still discussing whether a bid will be submitted".
We definitely think that there is definitely more to Stafford than what meets the eye.
As part of the competition, Sir Phil Redmond will lead an expert panel, judging towns on the way they’ll tell their unique story, how they’ll bring everyone in a community together, and how towns will deliver on their vision.
The strongest bids will progress to a shortlist, 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 electric music festivals.
