Black Country borough puts three of its towns forward to be UK's first Town of Culture

Dudley Council is backing bids by three of its towns to be crowned the UK's first-ever Town of Culture.

Stourbridge, Brierley Hill and Dudley have joined applicants from across the country in a bid for the UK Town of Culture 2028 title. The other hopefuls include Smethwick in Sandwell and Bilston.

The new competition will see one winning town awarded £3 million, with two further finalists each receiving £250,000 to bring their cultural plans to life.

In March, Stourbridge MP Cat Eccles called for Dudley Council to back a possible bid from the town and Brierley Hill.

Applications closed on Tuesday and Balvinder Heran, chief executive of Dudley Council, confirmed the three towns had all submitted their applications.

He said: "We are excited and fully supportive of the community‑led bids from Dudley, Brierley Hill and Stourbridge to become the UK’s very first Town of Culture, and wish them every success with their submissions.

“These bids are about far more than individual places. They are bold statements of our diversity, creativity, and ambition as a borough.

"What is particularly striking is not just the differences between Dudley, Brierley Hill and Stourbridge, but how powerfully they complement one another – each telling a distinct chapter of our shared cultural story.

"This initiative offers a unique opportunity to shine a national spotlight on the rich cultural heritage we are fortunate to have right here on our doorstep.

“It would be a tremendous honour for one of our towns to receive this title. Beyond the investment and increased cultural activity, it would bring the recognition that Dudley borough truly deserves.”

For further information about UK Town of Culture 2028, visit .www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-town-of-culture-2028-expression-of-interest/uk-town-of-culture-2028-expression-of-interest-guidance-for-bidders