NEWQUAY is vying to be crowned the UK town of Culture for 2028, which includes a £3.5 million prize to deliver a cultural programme.

Newquay Town Council and Newquay BID are preparing a bid for the UK Town of Culture 2028, working with local partners to highlight Newquay’s growing cultural offer and year‑round community activity.

The national programme aims to support towns in celebrating their identity and delivering accessible cultural events for residents and visitors.

The competition is open to small, medium and large towns across the UK and will award funding to deliver a cultural programme during 2028,

If successful, Newquay would receive investment to support a wide range of activity shaped by the town’s communities and organisations. Newquay Town Council and Newquay BID are working closely with a small group of partners, including Newquay Town Team.

This work represents the starting point of a wider process. The partners recognise that Newquay has a broad community of individuals, groups, creatives and organisations who contribute to the town’s cultural life and acknowledge that many have not yet been approached at this initial stage. Should Newquay be shortlisted, wider engagement will become central to shaping the detailed programme, ensuring the bid is community led, collaborative and reflective of the town’s identity.

The emerging focus of the bid includes Newquay’s markets, festivals, live events, surf and coastal culture, food and drink scene, and its expanding creative community. The partners aim to demonstrate how Newquay’s growing year‑round population is contributing to increased demand for accessible cultural activity beyond the traditional tourist season.

If shortlisted, Newquay would receive development funding to create a detailed cultural programme. This would be developed in partnership with residents, community groups, event organisers and local businesses to ensure it reflects the town’s identity and long‑term ambitions. The project aims to support local talent, strengthen community involvement and build pride in place.

Mark Warren, the manager of Newquay BID, said: “We are so excited to be involved in working with all the amazing partners across Newquay to deliver a strong Expression of Interest. With such a vibrant and distinctive cultural town, we have a great opportunity to deliver something really special.”

Mayor Cllr Drew Creek said: “As Mayor of Newquay, I am incredibly proud to announce our bid for UK Town of Culture 2028. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase what makes our town so special on a national stage. Newquay is defined by its unique environment, world-renowned surf, breathtaking coastline, and a vibrant spirit that resonates year-round.

“As Cornwall’s busiest visitor destination and a town with the largest permanent population, we have a dynamic, creative, and expanding community. Our cultural life is a powerful blend of our rich coastal heritage and a forward-looking, energetic community spirit.

“This bid is about harnessing that energy. It’s a chance to celebrate the talent and passion within our community, support our local businesses beyond the summer season, and build lasting pride in our town. We want to create a cultural programme that is truly by Newquay, for Newquay, reflecting our identity and ambition. I encourage everyone in our community to join us in shaping this exciting journey.”

Newquay Town Council and Newquay BID will now prepare the expression of interest ahead of the national deadline. Updates will be shared as the process continues, with further opportunities for wider involvement if the bid progresses.