Saffron Walden Submits Bid for Town of Culture 2028
SAFFRON WALDEN submits its’ bid for Town of Culture 2028
Saffron Walden Town Council (SWTC) is delighted to confirm the town’s ‘Town of Culture 2028’ bid has been submitted. It is appropriate for SWTC to be the lead body when submitting the Town’s Expression of Interest, however a partnership approach is essential in calling upon the town’s rich diversity, and wide range of skills and cultural experience.
Saffron Hall is proud to support the town’s bid. Said Graham King, Business Development Director, “as an organisation that is deeply rooted in the local community, but with growing national significance and profile, we bring extensive experience of delivering high-quality artistic programmes, large-scale partnerships, and inclusive community engagement. We would continue to work closely with SWTC and partners to help shape and deliver an ambitious, accessible programme, contributing our venue, expertise and networks while supporting participation, skills development, and outreach. We see this as an opportunity not only to celebrate Saffron Walden’s cultural life, but to build lasting partnerships and create a meaningful legacy for the town and its communities.” Jenny Oxley, Museum Manager added, “Saffron Walden Museum is proud to offer its wholehearted support to Saffron Walden’s bid to become Town of Culture 2028. We are the district museum for North-West Essex, housed in a Grade II listed building dating from 1835, set within the bailey of the ancient Walden Castle, a Scheduled Monument site. We act as a key custodian of the town’s extraordinary story, and we believe that story deserves to be shared with the nation. From the town’s medieval origins and its role in the English Civil War, to its rich traditions of craft, natural history, and community life, Saffron Walden’s heritage is deep, distinctive, and alive. The Town of Culture competition, with its emphasis on original storytelling and accessible culture, is precisely the platform this town deserves, and the Museum stands ready to play a full and active part: opening our collections, our expertise, and our spaces to programmes that engage residents and visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Saffron Walden is already recognised as one of the best places to live in Britain, becoming Town of Culture 2028, would be an opportunity to show the whole country why.”
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. 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. Member of Parliament for North West Essex, Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP said, “I am very pleased to support Saffron Walden’s bid to become the UK Town of Culture 2028. This bid is an excellent opportunity to highlight the strength of Saffron Walden’s arts, heritage and cultural life on a wider stage. I wish the Town Council and everyone involved every success with the Expression of Interest and the next stages of the process.”
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. Melanie Blackwell, BID Manager Saffron Walden said, “Saffron Walden BID strongly supports this bid, recognising TOC 2028 as a major opportunity to strengthen the town centre economy, deepen placemaking, and build long‑term connections between businesses and our cultural and heritage partners — from Fairycroft House and Saffron Hall to Audley End House, our cinema and youth outreach groups. The programme will help nurture the next generation of cultural participants, volunteers, audiences, workers and future entrepreneurs, ensuring that Saffron Walden’s democratic, collaborative spirit continues to shape its identity. The BID is committed to supporting a programme that benefits residents, visitors and businesses alike and leaves a meaningful legacy for the town”.
Saffron Walden launched its bid on Wednesday 25 February 2026 with a community photograph – SWTC was joined by several groups, event partners, charities, local organisation, schools, local police, military, residents and businesses. A spokesperson for SWTC said, “thank you for everyone’s support so far – please continue to back Saffron Walden’s bid in becoming Town of Culture 2028; for the latest updates follow SWTC social media or visit saffronwalden.gov.uk”
Further information on the competition 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
