This Saturday, Love Grimsby 2026 will bring a burst of local pride, creativity and community spirit to the town centre – the perfect moment to rally behind Grimsby’s bid to become the very first UK Town of Culture 2028.
Local creatives, businesses, organisations, community groups and residents have already united behind the town’s expression of interest, which showcases Grimsby’s creative ambition and celebrates its heritage on a national stage. The bid has also secured cross‑group support from local councillors.
With the deadline for submitting the expression of interest approaching at the end of March, North East Lincolnshire Council is encouraging everyone to show their support now if they haven’t yet had the chance.
- Love Grimsby takes place on Saturday 21 March, 10am–4pm, across Grimsby Minster, Riverhead Square, Freshney Place and St James’ Square. Visitors can enjoy activities celebrating local creativity and also learn more about the Town of Culture bid on the Town Centre Masterplan consultation stand at the Minster. Event details can be found at – Discover North East Lincolnshire | Love Grimsby 2026 – Discover North East Lincolnshire.
.A bid powered by major investment and partnership
Grimsby’s expression of interest is backed by North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC), Horizon Youth Zone, local businesses, political leaders, and the creative and heritage sector. The opening of the new Horizon Youth Zone marks the latest milestone in a period of significant cultural investment in the town. Horizon will work closely with NELC on developing the bid.
Since 2023, the Create North East Lincolnshire programme has helped secure more than £9.45 million of investment through over 100 collaborative bids to bodies, including Arts Council England, The National Lottery Community Fund and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Cllr Steve Holland, Leader of the Independent Group, said: “This is a very exciting opportunity. Our area has a proud cultural story to tell, some of which has got a bit lost along the way. If we could win this competition, it would be a fantastic boost, not just for Grimsby, but for Cleethorpes and Immingham as well. Hull certainly benefitted from being awarded City of Culture status in many ways; I’m sure that we would reap similar gains if we could be selected as the first ever UK Town of Culture.”
Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of NELC and the Conservative Group said: “I am supporting our application for UK Town of Culture 2028 as it’s an opportunity for Grimsby to raise its profile and tell and celebrate its unique story.”
Cllr Emma Clough said: “As Leader of the Labour Group, I am proud to support cross party collaboration in backing Grimsby’s Town of Culture bid. This is a real opportunity to bring people together across our town and showcase everything that makes Grimsby special.
“Our town is steeped in history, from its proud fishing heritage to its strong sense of community, and we should be shouting about that with confidence. Working together across parties sends a powerful message that we are united in wanting the very best for Grimsby. I am pleased to play my part in supporting this bid and ensuring our town gets the recognition it deserves.”
Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: “Grimsby has a proud history and a strong community spirit, and this bid is an opportunity to build on that, giving our area the wider recognition it deserves.
“What gives me confidence is that this isn’t just a council-led project. It’s being shaped by residents, community groups and local organisations who care deeply about where they live. That’s what will make it credible and give it the best chance of success.
“I strongly believe the best change is built from the ground up, and this is an opportunity to turn that local pride and creativity into something that delivers real, lasting benefits for Grimsby and the wider borough.”
How to get involved
Residents, organisations and supporters are invited to help shape the expression of interest by:
- using #GY28 on social media, and completing a short online survey Grimsby Town of Culture 2028 | QuestionPro Survey
More information about the bid is available here UK Town of Culture | NELC
Grimsby will submit its initial expression of interest by 31 March. A shortlist will be announced Spring 2026, with final bids due Autumn 2026. The winner will be announced early 2027, receiving £3 million to deliver a year‑long programme in 2028. Two runners‑up will receive £250,000 each
The Town of Culture programme follows the success of UK City of Culture, most notably Hull 2017, which generated more than £300 million of investment and significantly boosted tourism.
Picture caption: Cross-group backing for Grimsby’s Town of Culture bid, Left to right: North East Lincolnshire Liberal Democrat Group Leader, Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe: Labour Group Leader, Cllr Emma Clough: Leader of the Council and the local Conservative Group, Cllr Philip Jackson: and Independent Group Leader, Cllr Steve Holland.
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