Published on Friday 20 March 2026
Cultural organisations, venues and community groups from across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) have given strong support to BCP Council’s joint bid to become the first UK Town of Culture in 2028.
Before drafting the first‑stage proposal, the council sought feedback from a wide range of cultural partners across the area, in a bid to fully understand the views of those involved in the sector.
Drawing on the insight and experience of arts venues, cultural bodies, grass-roots organisations and community and welfare partners, the council’s proposal aims to highlight the area’s rich local cultural offer and our shared identity - shaped by our coastal and natural landscape.
It also sets out how a Town of Culture programme could help broaden participation and increase creative opportunities for all BCP communities, including making greater use of public spaces for cultural events.
Cllr Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Communications and Customer, said: “Our bid is built on a simple message: we are better together, and the support we’ve received from our cultural community has been really inspiring. Their input and knowledge are central to our proposal.
“By working as one cultural community we can create bigger opportunities, reach more people and showcase the best of our place – creating a legacy that lasts well beyond the bid year, inspiring future generations and supporting a thriving cultural economy."
Elspeth McBain, Chief Executive Officer for Poole Lighthouse said: “Lighthouse is proud to support the BCP Council’s bid to become Town of Culture 2028. This is a region that consistently punches above its weight in cultural ambition, innovation, and talent. Securing Town of Culture status would not only help accelerate that ambition but also recognise and celebrate the extraordinary creativity of our communities. It would shine a spotlight on the vital role that culture plays in shaping identity, driving opportunity, and enriching lives across this area.”
Vrushali Harihar, Artist and Activist said: “BCP is a breathtaking, sparkling coastline and a vibrant multicultural hub, filled with the aromas of global cuisines and the hum of diverse languages. Lives are celebrated, and traditions are enjoyed through art and culture, fostering a sense of unity rooted in respect, joy and belonging.
“From schools and universities to the NHS, supermarkets, and corporate offices to art organisations every space represents BCP's cultural richness. This place is home to many cultures and arts, thriving in shared community spaces. Diversity, creativity, and inclusion are key to building relationships and wellbeing in this happy place.”
Rohan Gotobed, Arts Development Lead for the Cultural Compact, and Artistic Director of Dorsetborn said: "I'm constantly inspired by the number of talented new artists creating extraordinary cultural moments across BCP. There is clearly a need for local stories to be told, and this is the perfect opportunity for us to amplify those voices.
"The Cultural Compact's existence highlights the creative sector’s pride in our region, and also our shared vision to better the lives of those in our communities. We know that culture makes change happen and now is the time for our cultural offer to be visible and undeniable, representing Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole together. A rising tide lifts all boats."
Dominic Wong, Bournemouth Writing Festival Director said: "Bournemouth Writing Festival is proud to support BCP Council’s bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028. Through free and accessible events, we’ve seen first-hand how inspiring writers to write can bring people together, amplify diverse and unheard voices, and inspire creativity at every level.
“The Bournemouth Writing Festival is just at the beginning of its journey, and this bid is a powerful opportunity to firmly position Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as a place where creativity and culture thrive.”
Paul Kinvig, Chief Operating Officer of Bournemouth Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) said: “Culture is a central part of the reimagining of town centres & we have a fantastic sector that is playing a vital part in that process, right across the ‘three towns.’ The rich variety of our cultural offering not only provides opportunities for people to enjoy diverse experiences but also provides vital economic growth & social fabric to the life of the conurbation”
Viv Charrett, Mayor of Christchurch said: "The idea of our three towns working together to bid for the Town of Culture seems a great idea. Each of our towns has different strengths. In Christchurch we have much more than a millennium of history and a plethora of great summer festivals by the river. We would be delighted to contribute to the success of the whole."
Shortlisted areas will receive £60,000 to develop a full bid later in the year.