Published on Thursday 19 February 2026
BCP Council launches joint bid for first ever UK Town of Culture 2028.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is bringing together the diverse culture of its three towns as it puts forward an exciting first‑stage proposal for the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028 competition.
The joint bid will celebrate the combined cultural identity of the wider BCP area—showcasing how three unique places are stronger together.
The new national competition celebrates culture rooted in UK towns and local communities, with the winning area to receive £3 million to deliver a year‑long cultural programme in 2028. Two runners‑up will receive £250,000 each to support cultural activity.
About the BCP bid
For the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole bid, the council will work closely with local partners and organisations to show how creativity and collaboration flow across the three towns—strengthening pride of place and widening access to the arts.
From the innovation of Boscombe Emerging Arts Fringe (BEAF) to the world‑class performances of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO), our area is rich in creativity. Poole Museum offers inspiring galleries alongside rich stories of shipwrecks and harbour life while the Russell‑Cotes Art Gallery & Museum adds Victorian character and eclectic art collections in a clifftop setting. Highcliffe Castle provides historic splendour and a unique backdrop for cultural events.
Across all three towns, the Arts by the Sea Festival brings a vibrant annual celebration of creativity and our incredible grass‑roots community groups add energy, talent and diversity. Together, they create a cultural landscape that is vibrant, varied and uniquely our own.
Rooted in the identities of local people, the bid will showcase existing cultural connections and show how this shared foundation can create a legacy as a cultural hub for generations to come.
Cllr Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Communications and Customer, said: “The arts and culture play a vital role in supporting people’s health and wellbeing, helping us feel more connected, confident and able to thrive.
“Culture is the thread that links our three towns, and as someone proud to call this place home, I know just how much our communities have to offer. This is an amazing opportunity to highlight the work we already do together, open doors for new audiences and make creativity easier for everyone to access—building something that lasts well beyond 2028.”
The proposal will also demonstrate how creativity fuels health and wellbeing, community connection and local pride across the BCP area.
Shortlisted places will receive £60,000 to develop a full bid.