Alex Ballinger MP launches Halesowen’s bid to be UK Town of Culture
Alex Ballinger, MP for Halesowen, has fired the starting gun on Halesowen’s bid to become the first-ever UK Town of Culture, saying it could “restore a real sense of pride and belonging in the place we call home.”
The new UK Town of Culture competition, launched by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, will celebrate the unique stories of small and medium-sized towns across the country. The winning town will receive £3.5 million to deliver a year-long cultural programme in 2028, while shortlisted towns will each receive £60,000 to help develop their bids.
Alex Ballinger said the competition is a perfect opportunity for Halesowen to showcase its proud history, creativity, and community spirit.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Halesowen to shine — celebrating our proud industrial and mining heritage, the beauty of Leasowes Park, the history of Halesowen Abbey and our Norman church, and the generations of working people who built this town.
“Culture isn’t just about art galleries or festivals — it’s about who we are. This bid can help restore pride, attract visitors and investment, and open up opportunities for young people here in Halesowen. It’s a chance to tell our story and put Halesowen on the map for all the right reasons.”
The Town of Culture competition is designed to unlock local pride, creativity and growth, supporting smaller towns to build on their cultural strengths. Winning the title would give Halesowen the chance to celebrate its long history — from its roots in ironmaking and nail manufacturing to its green spaces, local artists, and historic landmarks — while bringing people together through music, performance, and community events.
The competition forms part of the Labour Government’s plan to revive towns, boost local economies, and restore pride across the country. It will highlight the vital role that towns like Halesowen play in Britain’s cultural life — places built on hard work, creativity, and community.
“Halesowen has always been a town that gets things done,” Alex added. “From our industrial heritage to our strong community spirit today, this is a moment to celebrate everything that makes Halesowen special and look confidently to the future.”
Expressions of Interest for UK City of Culture 2029 are now open.
Applications for Town of Culture 2028 will open shortly.