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Oakham Town of Culture bid unsuccessful

By Grace Kennington 21st Jul 2026

Local News

Local News by Grace Kennington 21st Jul 2026

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Oakham's bid to be the first Town of Culture has been unsuccessful (Photo: Grace Kennington)

Oakham's bid to be the first UK Town of Culture has been unsuccessful.

This week, the committee for the UK Town of Culture has made their first decision, shortlisting 15 towns out of 398 applications.

This year's bid process was the first time the Town of Culture competition has taken place, with the inaugural UK Town of Culture to be names in 2028.

The following towns made the shortlist:

Small Towns:

Ilfracombe,
Isle of Bute,
Lerwick,
Sandown,
Strabane,
Stockton Town Centre Ward

Medium Towns:

Corby,
Great Yarmouth,
Leith,
Pontypridd,
Port Talbot,

Large Towns:

Basildon,
Birkenhead,
Grimsby,
Rotherham

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