Gateshead submits bid for 2028 Town of Culture title

Gateshead has officially entered the race for the UK Town of Culture 2028, highlighting key anniversaries such as the Angel of the North turning thirty and the Tyne Bridge reaching one hundred years, showcasing its rich heritage and vibrant local cultural scene.

Gateshead has officially submitted its application to become the UK Town of Culture for 2028. The opportunity for the town to participate in the national contest emerged after the government updated eligibility rules, allowing larger towns to enter the competition. The local council stated that the year 2028 already carries special meaning for the town due to several important anniversaries connected to well-known landmarks and infrastructure.

According to the council, 2028 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Angel of the North, a sculpture that has become one of the most recognizable symbols associated with the area. In the same year, the Tyne Bridge will reach the milestone of 100 years since it was built. The bridge is currently undergoing major restoration works, highlighting its long-standing significance for the region and its transport network.

Local officials consider these anniversaries an important context for the cultural bid. The council described the upcoming year as a major moment for Gateshead, combining historical commemoration with cultural recognition. These events are viewed as reinforcing the town’s case to host the national cultural title.

The UK Town of Culture initiative runs alongside the existing UK City of Culture program. As part of the competition, the town selected as the overall winner will receive financial support totaling three million pounds. In addition, two towns finishing as runners-up will each be awarded 250,000 pounds.

Gateshead will compete with several other towns from the North East of England. Among the competitors are North Shields, Bishop Auckland, and Berwick-upon-Tweed. The competition structure предусматривает выбор трех финалистов, которые будут представлять категории малого, среднего и крупного города.

All participating towns must submit their expressions of interest by 31 March. After the initial stage, the strongest submissions will be selected for a shortlist that will be announced during the spring. Each shortlisted town will receive funding of 60,000 pounds to prepare a full and detailed proposal for the next stage of the competition.

The government plans to announce the final winner early next year. The selected town will hold the cultural title in 2028 and will use the funding to support events, cultural programs, and initiatives aimed at promoting local heritage and creative activity.

A representative of Gateshead Council stated that the application provides an opportunity to highlight the people who contribute to the town’s identity and cultural life. The council member responsible for culture, sport, and tourism described the submission as a bold step that reflects the town’s ambition and pride.

Local authorities also emphasized that cultural life in Gateshead is supported by community organizations, grassroots initiatives, and independent creative groups. According to the council, these groups contribute to cultural activity across the town and play an important role in shaping the local cultural environment.

Following the submission deadline at the end of March, the competition will move to the evaluation stage. Towns selected for the shortlist will begin preparing full proposals using the development funding provided for that stage. The overall winner will be announced early next year after the final assessment process is completed.

Sources:

• Gateshead announces bid for Town of Culture 2028
• Gateshead targets Town of Culture bid
• Gateshead lays out cultural ambition with bold Town of Culture bid