Residents asked to have their say as Tewkesbury enters the Town of Culture bid  

The national competition will see the winning location awarded £3 million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028, with two runners-up receiving £250,000 each to deliver elements of their bid.

Tewkesbury Culture has launched a short online survey, inviting the borough’s residents to help shape Tewkesbury’s expression of interest for the Town of Culture competition.

Councillor Richard Stanley, Leader of the council and Lead Member for Economic Development said: “Tewkesbury is planning to enter the Town of Culture competition, and we want our residents to have their say and help shape the bid.

“Tewkesbury is full of heritage and culture, from its rich history to its unique festivals and celebrations. The rivers Severn and Avon will be a key feature of the bid, reflecting how water has strongly shaped Tewkesbury’s identity. Now it’s time for all those stories to take centre stage.”

Cameron Thomas, MP for Tewkesbury, joins these local organisations to express support for entry into the competition.

Cllr Alan Hayes, Mayor of Tewkesbury Town, said: ”From my time as Head of Expressive Arts at Tewkesbury School, I know that the town has a wealth of artistic talent within and the Town of Culture competition is a real chance for Tewkesbury to shine. For this to happen, it is important that our residents have their say, for, when people from across the town and the borough get involved, sharing what matters to them, it strengthens our bid and shows to the country, the pride and passion that make this community special.”

Over 70 community groups and organisations within the arts, culture and heritage are being canvassed for their views, and individuals are strongly encouraged to take part and have their say about things that are important to them.

Derek Bond, Chief Executive of The Roses Theatre commented: “What makes Tewkesbury special is its people, and the Town of Culture bid is a chance for every resident to help shape our story. At The Roses, we see how creativity brings communities together, and this bid opens the door to the arts in the widest sense - from performance and heritage to technology, publishing, nature and all the ways people express and connect with the world around them.”

The survey closes at midnight on Monday, 16 March 2026 to meet the expression of interest deadline on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.

Tewkesbury Culture, of which the council is a member is the name of which an Expression of Interest will be made.

Photo single use only of the Tewkesbury Culture group from left to right:

Kirstie Mitchell – Heritage Manager, John Moore Museum

Rachel Thatcher – Heritage Manager, Tewkesbury Heritage & Visitor Centre

Peter Tonge – Director of Communities, Tewkesbury Borough Council

The Reverend Canon Nick Davies – Vicar Tewkesbury Abbey

Cllr Richard Stanley – Leader, Tewkesbury Borough Council

Cllr Alan Hayes – Mayor of Tewkesbury Town

Diana Hayes – Mayoress of Tewkesbury Town

Derek Bond – Artistic Director & Chief Executive Roses Theatre

Penny Tubbs – Chairman and Director of Tewkesbury Medieval Festival

The survey is hosted on The Roses Theatre website: rosestheatre.org/tewkesbury-town-of-culture and will be available in hard copy at The Roses Theatre box office.

The UK Government is running the first UK Town of Culture competition which is open to small, medium and large towns, with the winner delivering a vibrant cultural programme.  Towns can now submit Expressions of Interest (deadline 31 March 2026), with Sir Phil Redmond’s panel shortlisting the strongest bids and awarding £60,000 to each shortlisted town to develop full proposals.

Three finalists – one from each category – small, medium, and large – will be shortlisted before being invited to develop and full, detailed bid submission.  Winner (UK Town of Culture 2028): £3 million to deliver its cultural programme. Two runners‑up: £250,000 each to deliver selected elements of their proposals.