Felixstowe’s bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028 has left a lasting legacy of collaboration, ambition and partnership, despite the town not progressing to the next stage of the national competition. Felixstowe Town Council has thanked everyone who contributed to the bid and helped showcase the town’s vibrant cultural offer.
Although the town will not progress to the next stage of the process, the bid has been a significant collaborative achievement, bringing together local organisations, artists, businesses, community groups and residents to develop a shared vision for Felixstowe’s cultural future.
The bid celebrated Felixstowe as a place Where the World Arrives, highlighting the town’s rich heritage, thriving cultural scene, coastal identity and strong community spirit. It showcased the breadth of creative activity taking place across the town and demonstrated the ambition to build on this success in the years ahead.
Throughout the process, a dedicated steering group worked alongside Felixstowe Town Council and partners to shape the bid, drawing on local knowledge, expertise and lived experience to create a compelling submission that reflected the town’s unique character.
The bid has already strengthened partnerships across the town and created new opportunities for collaboration. The ideas, relationships and momentum generated throughout the process will continue to support cultural projects and future funding opportunities, ensuring that the work undertaken leaves a positive and lasting legacy.
The Mayor of Felixstowe, Cllr Darren Aitchison, said:
“While we are naturally disappointed not to have been shortlisted, I am incredibly proud of the bid that was submitted and grateful to everyone who contributed to it. The response from our community has been inspiring, and the process has brought together a remarkable network of people and organisations who share a passion for Felixstowe’s cultural future.“
David Gledhill, Chair of the Town of Culture Steering Group, said:
“Although we are disappointed not to have progressed to the next stage, I believe Felixstowe has already achieved something special. This bid brought together people and organisations from every part of our community behind a shared ambition for the town. We demonstrated that culture is not simply about events, but about creating opportunities, strengthening communities and celebrating what makes Felixstowe unique. The ideas and enthusiasm generated through this process must not be lost. We now have a strong platform from which to develop new projects and continue building a vibrant cultural future for everyone who lives in, works in or visits Felixstowe.”
Felixstowe Town Council would like to thank every organisation, volunteer, artist, business, community group and resident who supported the bid. Their enthusiasm, creativity and commitment helped showcase the very best of Felixstowe and demonstrated the strength of the town’s cultural community.
The full DCMS announcement and shortlist can be viewed at: www.gov.uk/government/news/shortlist-for-uk-town-of-culture-revealed.
