The UK government has unveiled the 15-place shortlist for its first-ever Town of Culture competition, a new scheme intended to celebrate and invest in Britain's towns. Announced on Thursday by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the contest attracted almost 400 applications, underlining the strength of local pride across the country. The eventual winner will secure a £3 million grant to host cultural events in 2028, making the title a significant boost for the successful town.

The shortlist spans all four nations and three population brackets: larger places such as Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham; medium-sized towns including Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd and Port Talbot; and smaller spots like Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane and Stockton Town Centre Ward. Each will receive £60,000 to develop a full bid, before an independent panel chaired by Hollyoaks creator Sir Phil Redmond selects three category winners early next year. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy praised the response, and the two runners-up will each receive £250,000. The competition runs alongside the more established UK City of Culture 2029.