The historic market town of Atherstone has officially announced its intention to enter the Town of Culture 2028 competition, marking an exciting new chapter for the community as it celebrates its rich heritage, vibrant cultural life, and ambitious vision for the future.
The UK Town of Culture competition is a national programme that recognises towns with a strong cultural identity and ambitious plans for arts, heritage and community activity. The winning town receives funding and national recognition to deliver a year long programme of cultural events, helping to boost tourism, support local businesses and strengthen community pride.
Led by The Atherstone Partnership, alongside North Warwickshire Borough Council, Atherstone Town Council, community groups and cultural organisations, the bid will showcase Atherstone’s unique identity, from its centuries-old traditions to its growing creative scene. The initiative aims to bring together residents, artists, businesses, and young people to celebrate what makes the town special while creating new opportunities for cultural participation and economic growth.
The Town of Culture programme recognises towns that demonstrate a strong commitment to culture and creativity, using arts, heritage, and community engagement to inspire local pride and attract visitors. The competition invites towns from across the United Kingdom to submit proposals showing how culture can help shape their future and bring communities together.
Atherstone sits on the ancient Roman road Watling Street, a key route through Britain for nearly 2,000 years. Roman forces once travelled this road during the era of Boudica’s revolt, and in 1485 King Richard III is believed to have stayed in Atherstone on the eve of the Battle of Bosworth.
The town has a long history of cultural celebration and is renowned for its annual Shrove Tuesday Ball Game, a centuries-old tradition that continues to draw crowds from across the region. It hosts a proud heritage of inclusive sport and wellbeing, where community clubs, open spaces, and local initiatives have long brought people of all ages and abilities together to stay active, healthy, and connected. Alongside historic landmarks, independent businesses, and active community organisations, Atherstone offers a vibrant foundation for a year-long cultural programme.
The Town of Culture 2028 bid will focus on three key themes:
- Heritage and Tradition – celebrating Atherstone’s historic character and long-standing customs
- Creativity and Community – supporting local artists, makers, and performers
- Future Generations – creating opportunities for young people to shape the town’s cultural future
The current stage of the process is an expression of interest, which allows towns to outline their cultural strengths and ambitions. If shortlisted, Atherstone would develop a full bid with partners across the town.
Local leaders say the bid is about more than winning the title, it is about bringing the community together and building a lasting cultural legacy.
Chairman of Atherstone Partnership, Laura Donnelly, said:
“Entering the Town of Culture 2028 competition is a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on Atherstone. Our town has an incredible story to tell, and this bid will celebrate our heritage while encouraging creativity, innovation, and community pride.”
If successful, Atherstone would host a year long programme of festivals, exhibitions, performances, and community activities in 2028, placing the town firmly on the cultural map of the region.
There is a Town of Culture Survey available on Visit Atherstone’s website, where residents can explain what Atherstone means to them, which can be used towards the application for the Town of Culture competition. Feedback from residents will play an important role in shaping the town’s bid, helping organisers demonstrate the strength of community support and the ideas people have for Atherstone’s cultural future.