Hexham puts forward bid for first-ever UK town of culture

Hexham Cultural Network has confirmed it is working in partnership with Hexham Town Council on an Expression of Interest to put the town in the running for UK Town of Culture 2028.

Launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the new UK Town of Culture competition is aimed at small and medium-sized towns, inviting them to showcase their unique stories and the vital role they play in national life. The winning town will receive £3.5 million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028.

The Queen's Hall runs Animating Hexham (Image: Sound Ideas Media)

It has been launched as part of efforts to 'restore pride in communities' with applicants encouraged to showcase their 'unique stories', the government said.

The bid will focus on Hexham’s border heritage, drawing on the history of the Border Reivers and the town’s development as a frontier settlement. Organisers say the application will explore how Hexham’s landscape, history and sense of community have shaped its cultural life, from its past to a growing contemporary arts scene.

Crowds enjoying live music in the Sele park at Find Festival (Image: Sound Ideas Media)

Crowds gathering in Hexham for the opening night of Animating Hexham (Image: Sound Ideas Media)

The bid builds on the momentum and partnerships developed through Hexham’s Arts Town initiative, while representing a distinct and ambitious next step for the town.

Hexham Cultural Network is developing it, comprising representatives from Queen’s Hall Arts, Hexham Book Festival, Théâtre Sans Frontières, Hexham Abbey, Forum Cinema, Hexham Community Partnership, Core Music, North East Museums and Hexham Library, in partnership with Hexham Town Council.

Passersby enjoyed street performances during Find Festival (Image: Sound Ideas Media)

Katy Taylor, artistic director and chief executive of Queen’s Hall Arts, said: “We’ve seen first-hand what can be achieved when we collaborate, from large-scale events like Hexham Lantern Parade and Hexham Pride to community-led projects that bring people together.

Hexham Lantern Parade, presented by the Queen's Hall Arts Centre (Image: Justine Overton/Hexham First School)

"This opportunity feels like a natural next step for Hexham. It gives us the chance to build on the town’s already rich cultural offer, deepen our partnerships and think ambitiously about what culture can do for our community, while raising Hexham’s profile on a national stage.

"We’ve already begun conversations with local organisations and residents, and we’re open to hearing from anyone who would like to share ideas to be part of shaping the application.”

Hannabiell and Blue Midnight playing at Find Festival (Image: Sound Ideas Media)

Penny Grennan, Hexham’s deputy mayor, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to celebrate Hexham’s distinctive heritage and vibrant cultural life. We look forward to working closely with partners and the wider community to put forward a strong and inspiring application.”

Hexham MP Joe Morris added: "I'm delighted to see Hexham's bid for Town of Culture.

"In this constituency, I'm so lucky to represent towns and villages with strong local identities, and one of the best parts of my job is ensuring every community feels valued.

"I'll do what I can to support the bid - and to celebrate the other amazing communities we have in our part of the world."

The Expression of Interest will be submitted by the end of March.

To share thoughts or ideas to shape the bid, email the Queen’s Hall Box Office team at boxoffice@queenshall.co.uk, and messages will be forwarded to Hexham Cultural Network for consideration.