Bishop Auckland Town Council has announced that it is pressing ahead with a formal bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture in 2028, marking an important step in showcasing the town’s heritage, creativity, and the people who make our town special.
This national programme celebrates places with strong identity, rich heritage and vibrant, diverse communities.
Winning the title would bring significant cultural opportunities, investment and visibility to the town.
As one of County Durham’s largest parishes, Bishop Auckland has long been recognised for its rich history, diverse cultural offer, and strong, resilient communities.
The bid will celebrate the town’s distinctive history and cultural strengths, while setting out a forward‑looking vision centred on creativity, inclusivity, and community pride.
The bid will highlight the significant progress already being made locally while providing an ambitious vision for how arts, heritage, and community-led activity can continue to grow in the years ahead, leaving a lasting legacy.
“We believe culture can help drive long‑term change, improve wellbeing and open new opportunities for local people of all ages,” said Town Clerk, Sarah Harris.
“Through this bid, we want to showcase Bishop Auckland’s heritage and creativity; bring more cultural activity into our neighbourhoods; support young people and local talent; strengthen partnerships across South West Durham and create lasting benefits for residents, businesses and visitors.
“The council believes that with the support and involvement of residents, Bishop Auckland can stand out as a bold contender for Town of Culture demonstrating the passion, resilience, and innovation that define the town.
“To ensure the bid reflects the community’s voice, the working group behind the bid has launched a public survey and is asking as many people as possible to respond.
Town Mayor, Cllr Sam Zair said: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Bishop Auckland. Our town has a powerful cultural story to tell from our heritage assets and events programme to the creativity, passion, and dedication of our residents and volunteers.
“Our bid will demonstrate that culture isn’t only about performance and heritage; it’s about people, identity, pride of place, and community connection. Winning Town of Culture would help us drive forward positive change.”
Cllr Mike Harker, Chair of Town of Culture Working Group added: “This bid belongs to the whole town, and we cannot do it without our community.
“We need residents to tell us what culture in Bishop Auckland means to them, their ideas, their priorities, and their ambitions for the future.
“By completing the survey, our community can directly influence what we present in our bid to be Town of Culture 2028. We encourage everyone to get involved and back the bid.”
Click here to take part, or paper copies will also be available from the following venues, for those who prefer not to complete it digitally:
– Bishop Auckland Town Council, 54 Kingsway
– Artists’ Hub, 43 Market Place, Bishop Auckland
– Woodhouse Close Community Centre, Proudfoot Drive, Bishop Auckland
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
