Hastings’ Town of Culture Bid 2028

In March 2026, Hastings Borough Council’s Cabinet agreed to support Hastings’ bid to become Town of Culture 2028, recognising the significant opportunity to showcase the town’s rich creative talent and unique heritage on a national stage.

The bid will be project managed and written by Arts Hastings CIC, working in collaboration with partners across the town’s cultural community and creative industries. Hastings Borough Council will act as the accountable body for the bid, providing governance, oversight and strategic support throughout the process.

The Town of Culture is a new government competition, which towns across the UK are invited to enter. The winning town will be awarded £3 million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028, and the two runners-up will receive £250,000 each to deliver elements of their bid.

As the first stage of the competition, an Expression of Interest was submitted to the government by 31 March 2026.

Shortlisted places will be announced in Spring 2026. Each shortlisted town will receive a £60,000 grant to support the development of their full application.

Find out more

• Learn more about the Expression of Interest by visiting the UK Town of Culture 2028 Expression of Interest: Guidance for bidders
• Learn more about Arts Hastings CIC by visiting their website
• Visit the Hastings Town of Culture website for the latest updates
• Further details about Hastings Borough Council’s Cabinet decision to support Hastings’ Town of Culture bid are available here. The full Cabinet report can also be viewed on ModGov.