Lowestoft has officially begun its journey to become the first ever UK Town of Culture 2028, with a bid that shines a light on the creativity, resilience and community spirit found across the town.

Announced by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the national competition is open to small, medium and large towns, with the winning town delivering a year‑long cultural programme, showcasing local stories through performances, new arts spaces, workshops, festivals and more. The aim is simple: to boost investment, build civic pride and make culture accessible to everyone.

Towns will be assessed on how they tell their unique and compelling story, how well they bring their whole community together, and the strength and deliverability of their cultural vision.

Shortlisted towns will receive £60,000 each to develop their full bids, and from there three finalists, one small, one medium and one large town, will be selected.

The overall winner will receive £3 million, and the two runners‑up will each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their cultural plans.

Think Lowestoft is delighted to support Lowestoft’s bid, a bid championed and coordinated by local cultural organisations, led by The Seagull Theatre. This is a moment to celebrate the depth of creativity in Lowestoft, from grassroots groups and community‑led projects to independent venues, artists, makers and heritage assets. Lowestoft’s culture has always grown from the ground up, and this bid offers an opportunity to showcase that identity on a national platform.

Have Your Say: Public Meetings

The Town of Culture Committee is inviting anyone who cares about Lowestoft’s cultural future to get involved. Whether you are part of a group, run a creative business, or simply want your voice heard, you are warmly welcomed to join one of two public meetings:

📍 Monday 23rd February
Battery of Ideas, London Road North
2.00pm

📍 Wednesday 25th February
The Seagull Theatre, Morton Road
6.00pm

These sessions will gather ideas, experiences and perspectives from across the community to shape an ambitious, authentic and inclusive cultural vision for the town.

Together, we can create a bid that reflects Lowestoft’s vibrant identity and opens new possibilities for culture, creativity and community pride.