Saffron Walden Bidding for Town of Culture 2028

SAFFRON WALDEN launches its bid for Town of Culture 2028

Saffron Walden Town Council (SWTC) is delighted to confirm its support for the town’s ‘Town of Culture 2028’ bid.

On Wednesday 25 February, SWTC was joined by several groups, event partners, charities, local organisation and residents.  Those who were represented included 33 Engineer Regiment from Carver Barracks, Enterprise East students, Friends of Bridge End Garden, Hello Food Tours, Mencap Society members, residents from the Nepalese community along  with our Gurkha veterans, Police – PC Ryan McNamara, year 6 students from RA Butler School, Royal British Legion,  Saffron Walden Heritage Development Group, Saffron Walden Initiative, Saffron Walden Library,  Saffron Walden Lion’s Club, Saffron Walden Town Council (Town Mayor, Councillors and Officers), St Mary’s Church – Rev’d Trew, Tiny Tempo’s and parents, Saffron Hall volunteers and Uttlesford Community Action Network, along with a number of local residents.

Said Town Mayor, Cllr Ahmed: “SWTC would like to thank everyone who took part in the town’s launch photograph – it illustrated the eclectic mix of groups and organisations in our great town, evidencing the richness and vitality of Saffron Walden’s heritage and culture”.   Saffron Walden Heritage Development Group’s Mat Lester added, “the Sealed Knot Society were pleased to attend in support of the bid, as part of The Saffron Walden Heritage Development Group and ‘Saffron Walden 1647’; the Project to commemorate the influential events here during the English Civil War.”

UK Town of Culture is a brand-new Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) competition. For the first time, DCMS is inviting towns across the UK to showcase original storytelling and accessible culture. The competition is targeted at all towns, whether small, medium or large.

In addition to the £3 million main prize and £250,000 finalist prizes, it is anticipated that winning will lead to significant, demonstrable outcomes, including a boost in civic pride, greater participation in cultural activities, and the formation of enduring community partnerships.

Cllr Mike Eldred, Chairman of Essex Association of Local Councils (EALC) provided his organisation’s support, “EALC is delighted to support the bid from its member Saffron Walden Town Council on behalf of this historic town.  Saffron Walden boasts some outstanding architecture, including the impressive St Mary’s Church.  The town has a wealth of independent shops, businesses and great pubs. The historic market square hosts a long-standing and quality market on Tuesday and Saturdays and the town benefits from high quality, well maintained public open spaces.  It is a town rich in culture, diversity and history and EALC wishes the town well in firmly asserting its position on the cultural map”.

There is a simple Expression of Interest (EOI) phase which has been designed to keep costs to a minimum at the outset.  DCMS will award bid development grants of £60,000 to each of the shortlisted towns which will then be invited to submit a full application.

Further information can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-town-of-culture-2028-expression-of-interest/uk-town-of-culture-2028-expression-of-interest-guidance-for-bidders#ministerial-foreword

It is appropriate for SWTC to be the lead body when submitting the Town’s Expression of Interest, due by 31 March 2026.  However, a partnership approach is essential in calling upon the town’s rich diversity, and wide range of skills and cultural experience. A working group has been established and is busy finalising Saffron Walden’s application.