Derbyshire market town launches ambitious bid for UK Town of Culture crown

Chesterfield Borough Council has announced that in partnership with the independent Chesterfield Town Board, it is entering Chesterfield into the UK Town of Culture competition, celebrating the town’s rich heritage, creative talent, and growing arts and culture scene.

Chesterfield’s bid will champion the town’s unique blend of historic character, culture, and strong community spirit.

The competition offers a major opportunity to showcase the borough’s cultural strengths.

One of the aims is to attract new visitors and build on recent investment in the borough including the multi-million-pound market regeneration, the refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall project and Animate Public Art Programme.

The first-ever UK Town of Culture competition is a government initiative.

It is open to small, medium and large towns, with the winner delivering a vibrant cultural programme showcasing towns’ local visions and voices - through new arts venues, performances, and workshops.

The winning town will be awarded £3 million to deliver a six-month cultural programme in 2028.

The two finalists from their category will each receive £250,000 each to deliver elements of their bid.

Chesterfield’s application highlights the town’s distinctive cultural identity, shaped by its market-town heritage, industrial past, and vibrant present-day creative community.

The council’s bid will be developed in partnership with the independent Chesterfield Town Board responsible for overseeing a £20m investment in the town through the Government’s Pride in Place programme.

If invited to the full application stage, people across the borough will be invited to share ideas, stories and ambitions that reflect Chesterfield’s identity and aspirations.

The vision for the bid focuses on celebrating local creativity, widening access to cultural experiences and using culture to support wellbeing, economic growth and pride of place.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Chesterfield is a town with a proud history and a bright future.

“Our cultural offer is growing stronger every year, driven by the passion and creativity of our communities.

“Entering the UK Town of Culture competition is a chance to shine a national spotlight on everything that makes Chesterfield special and to build a legacy that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”

Emily Bowman, from Junction Arts and board member of the Chesterfield Pride in Place Town Board, said: “Chesterfield’s cultural scene is full of energy and ambition.

“This competition is a fantastic opportunity to bring people together, support local creativity, and showcase the town’s potential on a national stage.”

The UK Town of Culture competition will recognise places that demonstrate outstanding cultural ambition, innovation, and community engagement.