UK Town of Culture Oakham Rutland 2028 Bid

Oakham Sets Its Sights on UK Town of Culture 2028 Title

 

The historic market town of Oakham officially began its charm offensive this weekend as the Oakham Town Council UK Town of Culture Committee descended upon the Market Place. Their mission: to engage residents in an ambitious bid to be named the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028.

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Throughout the morning, councillors spoke with locals to gauge support and gather vital feedback through community surveys. The bid is part of a new nationwide competition launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to celebrate the unique identity of British towns and drive local investment.

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The competition is a brand-new initiative designed to mirror the success of the "City of Culture" awards. It offers a massive opportunity for the winning town, including.

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A £3 million grand prize to fund a six-month cultural programme in 2028.

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Two finalist prizes of £250,000 for runners-up to deliver key parts of their proposals.

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A £60,000 development grant for all shortlisted towns to help finalise their full applications.

The bid is judged on three core pillars: "Your Story" (Oakham’s unique heritage), "Culture for Everyone" (ensuring accessibility and inclusivity), and "Making it Happen" (demonstrating the town's ability to deliver).

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"This is a chance to put Oakham on the national map, celebrating everything from our historic castle and the Rutland Morris to our vibrant modern community," noted one local representative.

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The Town Council is emphasising that this is a community-led bid. If you weren't able to make it to the Market Place today, there are several more chances to share your thoughts and complete the survey.

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Saturday, 14 March Market Place Weekly Saturday Market

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Saturday, 21 March Gaol Street Oakham Farmers' Market

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The committee is looking for diverse ideas on how culture ranging from food and festivals to art and architecture can be used to bring the community together and boost the local economy.

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With its population under 20,000, Oakham would likely compete in the "Small Town" category. Proponents of the bid point to the town's rich tapestry of independent businesses, the iconic Butter Cross, and a calendar already filled with popular events like Oakham Pride and various food festivals as proof that the town is ready for the national spotlight.

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The deadline for the initial Expression of Interest (EOI) is 31 March 2026. Residents are encouraged to participate in the surveys to ensure the final proposal truly reflects the heart of the town.