Skegness enters race to become the UK's first Town of Culture

Skegness is putting itself forward for a new national title that could bring fresh attention, investment and a major cultural programme to the Lincolnshire coast. The seaside town is set to submit an expression of interest in the UK's first Town of Culture competition, a scheme designed for small and medium-sized towns rather than cities. If successful, the winning place will receive £3 million to stage a cultural programme over about six months in 2028. For Lincolnshire readers, the bid is significant not just for Skegness itself, but for what it says about how one of the county's best-known resorts wants to be seen.

Long associated with family holidays, promenades and summer visitors, the town is now seeking recognition for a wider cultural identity rooted in arts, heritage and community life throughout the year. The bid is being backed by Skegness Neighbourhood Board, a group made up of people from the local community, businesses and the council. Its supporters say the competition offers a chance to highlight parts of Skegness that may be less familiar to people outside the area. According to the source report, the board's chair Paul McCooey said Skegness is already well known as a welcoming holiday resort with a strong local history, recognisable landmarks and events across the year.

He said fewer people were aware of its growing creative and cultural side, and described the competition as an opportunity to shine a light on what the town can offer. East Lindsey District Council is also supporting the move. Deputy leader Graham Marsh said Skegness is a thriving and diverse cultural area and that the bid is a chance to showcase that more widely. He also pointed to regular feedback from residents who value arts, heritage and year-round cultural activity.

That local message may prove important. Towns entering the competition will be judged on a range of criteria, including whether they can present a strong and compelling local story, along with evidence of quality in arts, heritage and the creative industries. A recent consultation, referenced in the source article, found that creative activities matter to local people and that there is enthusiasm for more. Supporters of the bid believe the title could help unlock further opportunities and investment.

Dozens of towns from across the country are said to be in the running, with expressions of interest due by 31 March. The overall winner is expected to be announced in 2027. For Skegness, the campaign is about more than a title. It is a chance to present a broader picture of a Lincolnshire town many people think they already know, and to argue that culture on the coast deserves national attention too.

This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.