Bilston enters race to become UK's first town of culture

Wolverhampton Council has announced it will enter the Black Country town into the competition to find the UK's Town of Culture 2028.

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Councillor Stephen Simkins, leader of Wolverhampton Council and a proud Bilstonian, said the town was steeped in cultural heritage.

“Bilston’s identity has always been shaped by creativity, the arts, heritage and community spirit and plays a significant role in Bilstonians’ wellbeing," he said.

“Being named Town of Culture would amplify this and create a lasting legacy for the town.”

The closing date for initial entries is March 31, and a shortlist will then be drawn up of towns which will each receive a £60,000 grant to draw up their full bids.

Three finalists will be chosen by an expert panel, headed by television writer Sir Phil Redmond, with the winning town awarded £3 million to put on a year-long programme of cultural celebrations.

The two runners-up will receive £250,000 each.

The contest will run alongside the existing UK City of Culture contest, which was won by Bradford in 2025.

 The Government launched the competition in January to ‘foster a sense of local pride’ and ‘spotlight the cultural contribution of towns to our national story’.

Councillor Chris Burden, cabinet member for city development, said: “Bilston has a rich culture built on generations of manufacturing, mining and metalwork, its famed enamelware and orange chips.

“The town’s heritage gives its people an enduring strength that sees them celebrate their past, while their resourcefulness, warmth and determination enable them to embrace the future, making Bilston an excellent candidate to maximise the benefits of being the first UK Town of Culture.”

Councillor Burden said Bilston already had a great deal to offer thanks to venues and organisations such as Bilston Craft Gallery, Bilston Town Hall, The Robin and Gazebo Theatre. 

He said the new £9 million outdoor market – due to be completed in June - would also provide a dedicated space for events, bringing the community and visitors together.

The recently launched Bilston Heritage Trail also played an important role in celebrating the town’s industrial heritage and telling the story of Bilston life, he added.

Councillor Burden said arts, culture and events were also a priority in the Bilston Pride in Place Programme, which would ensure the town’s identity was celebrated through arts and cultural events, honouring its past while shaping a future that reflects the diversity and strength of its community. 

"This has already led to the reinstatement of Bilston carnival as a powerful symbol of community pride, connection and celebration," he said.