UK Town of Culture 2028 – an update
We're sorry to share some disappointing news. Ashington has not been shortlisted for UK Town of Culture 2028.
Shortlist for UK Town of Culture revealed - GOV.UK
The competition was extraordinary — 398 towns applied from across the UK, with just 15 selected for the shortlist. We're disappointed, of course. But we're also proud, and rightly so.
Our thanks go to Cllr Caroline Ball, who led our bid with passion and belief from the very start, and to every group, organisation and resident who helped tell Ashington's story. Caroline is a champion among champions — of Ashington, for Ashington, always.
Cllr Ball said: "Of course we're disappointed — you don't put your heart into something like this without wanting to win. But let me be clear about what this bid was really about. It was never just a competition entry. It was Ashington telling its own story, in its own voice — a story of coal and community, of creativity and character, of a town that has never waited for permission to be proud of itself.
"Nearly 400 towns entered and just 15 were shortlisted, so we're in very good company — and my commiserations go to our friends in Alnwick, Amble, Bedlington, Berwick Upon Tweed, Blyth, Cramlington and Hexham too. Northumberland showed up, and that says everything about this county.
"The work doesn't stop here — it never does in Ashington. Everything we brought together for this bid — the groups, the ideas, the partnerships, the pride — stays with us, and we'll be putting it straight to work. You'll see it this summer at the Sound Futures Festival on 15th August, and in everything that follows. Ashington's story didn't need a title to be worth telling, and we'll keep telling it — louder than ever."
The Council echo Caroline's commiserations to our neighbouring Northumberland towns, who like Ashington gave this everything. And we wish the 15 shortlisted towns the very best of luck as the competition continues.
