Penzance Submits Bid to Become the UK’s First Town of Culture

Penzance has announced that it is bidding to become the first UK Town of Culture, putting itself forward in a new national competition launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Inspired by the success of the UK City of Culture, the UK Town of Culture competition aims to highlight the role towns play in shaping the national story.

A national competition with major funding

Towns across the UK have until 31st March 2026 to submit an expression of interest. Shortlisted towns will then be invited to develop a full bid.

The winning town will receive £3 million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028. Category finalists will each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their proposals.

Penzance’s cultural credentials

Often described as the cultural capital of Cornwall, Penzance has a long history linked to painters, playwrights, poets and pirates. Creativity is a central part of the town’s identity, rooted in its role as a historic market town.

The town has been recognised by Creative England for its creative industries and is known for cultural events including the Golowan Festival and the Montol Festival.

Penzance will be competing against other Cornish towns also expected to submit bids, including Falmouth, Newquay, Helston and Redruth.

Looking ahead to 2028

The bid outlines plans to deliver a nationally significant programme for Town of Culture 2028, building on Penzance’s established mix of art, music, food, theatre, community life and tradition.

A name with deep roots

Penzance takes its name from the Cornish “Pennsans”, meaning “Holy Head”, a reference to the headland at Battery Rocks. This history is still visible today through the town’s symbolism, including the image of St John the Baptist’s head on a plate. The symbol appears on the Mayoral Chain, the Town Seal, the historic Market House and several key buildings across the town.

While competition is expected to be strong from towns across the UK, Penzance’s bid highlights its distinctive culture, creativity and communities, along with a story that is uniquely its own.