Community Engagement & Communications
Saffron Walden Not Shortlisted in Town of Culture Competition
Saffron Walden Town Council (SWTC) was notified on 09 July that SAFFRON WALDEN was not shortlisted for UK Town of Culture 2028. A letter was received from the UK Town of Culture Chair, Sir Phil Redmond CBE.
In March 2026, Saffron Walden officially entered the competition to become the UK Town of Culture 2028, with support from local event partners, charities, local organisation, schools, local police, military, residents and businesses! It was appropriate for SWTC to be the lead body, however, a partnership approach was essential in calling upon the town’s rich diversity, and wide range of skills and cultural experience. A working group was established to build and develop Saffron Walden’s application.
More recently, in celebration of Saffron Walden’s culture and heritage, a digital postcard was submitted to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). You can view the town’s entry alongside others from across the country on the official UK Town of Culture Digital Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Su-761mY3NPLpd4d948m5ppY7R-bslw&usp=sharing – by clicking on the icon on the map.
Town Clerk, Lisa Courtney said, “Although not successful, we must note and acknowledge the hard work of everyone involved in pulling our application together and for continuously raising Saffron Walden’s profile through this process over the last four months. We should be proud that we were in a position as a town (network of organisations) to make the bid. It was a very interesting and collaborative process and we will harness that passion and enthusiasm to move forward and build on the valuable work we have completed to date. Thank you to everyone who has taken part and supported our bid!”
Saffron Hall’s Chief Executive, Angela Dixon added, “the process has shone a light on the huge range of activity, creativity and community groups that make this such a special place to live. Whatever the outcome, this has helped showcase the passion, talent and community spirit constantly present in this town and given a focus to future collaborative work.”
Fifteen towns will now compete for the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028 title. The shortlisted towns are:
- Small towns: Ilfracombe, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane, and Stockton Town Centre Ward
- Medium towns: Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, and Port Talbot
- Large towns: Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham
On behalf of Saffron Walden, SWTC congratulates its fellow Essex town, Basildon and wishes all shortlisted towns the best of luck in the coming months.
More information here:
Saffron Walden’s Digital Postcard
In celebration of Saffron Walden’s culture and heritage, a digital postcard has been submitted to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
You can view the town’s entry alongside others from across the country on the official UK Town of Culture Digital Map HERE
DCMS Grant Funding for first ever Town of Culture
This competition provides a real chance to bring about significant change for our local area and community and is backed by significant financial support.
- Winner’s Prize: A guaranteed £3 million to help deliver a cultural programme.
- Runners-up: £250,000 for shortlisted places to take forward some elements of their bid programme.
- Development Grant: £60,000 each to help shortlisted places develop their full bids.
Support for Saffron Walden
Link to: Cllr Mike Eldred – Chairman of Essex Association of Local Councils (EALC)
Cllr Mike Eldred
Chairman of Essex Association of Local Councils (EALC)
