Grimsby is celebrating a major national achievement after being named one of the final 15 towns shortlisted for UK Town of Culture 2028, following the successful submission of its expression of interest to Government.
The bid has received universal support from across the community and political spectrum.
Almost 400 towns entered the Town of Culture 2028 competition, and Grimsby’s shortlisting is a significant achievement that recognises the collective ambition, creativity and belief shown by people across the borough in coming together to champion the town’s story.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport made the announcement at 5pm today with Secretary of State, Lisa Nandy MP, saying: “Grimsby has moved with the times in a way that so many of our great towns have, from Viking fishing village to proud industrial town. That spirit is something everyone in the area knows well. I’m really excited to see what they put together.”
Each of the 15 shortlisted towns will now receive £60,000 to progress their bid. Grimsby’s bid team will work with the community to develop the full application reflecting on the themes in the expression of interest. This will include community engagement and co-design, research and development, mapping assets and young peoples’ engagement.
A defining feature of Grimsby’s submission is ‘Ambition’, the specially commissioned poem written by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage for Horizon Youth Zone, which has played a significant role in the bid. Ending with the line “Step forward, the future starts at your feet,” the poem is proudly displayed at Horizon and has become a powerful symbol of confidence, hope and creative drive, reflecting the spirit of the town and the people behind the bid.
The submission presents Grimsby as “a town on the edge where the strongest stories begin,” drawing on its rich heritage and character. From the legend of Grim, the Danish fisherman said to have founded the town, to generations of dock workers who faced the sea’s harsh rhythms with courage, humour and resilience, Grimsby’s story is rooted in strength, togetherness and determination.
The bid highlights how the town and its people continue to harness culture as a force for good, embracing challenge, nurturing creativity and turning opportunity into lasting change.
The winning town will be announced in early 2027 and will receive £3-million to deliver a year-long cultural programme in 2028, with the two runners-up each receiving £250,000.
Residents, organisations and supporters are encouraged to continue showing their support by using #GY28 and engaging with the next phase of the bid here: UK Town of Culture | NELC
Melanie Onn, the MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, chaired a Greater Grimsby Board sub-group, which was established to develop the Town of Culture bid.
She said: “Today is a hugely proud day for Grimsby. Being shortlisted for UK Town of Culture is a fantastic achievement and recognition of everything that makes our area so special.
“When I first spoke publicly about the idea nine months ago, I could never have imagined how much it would capture people’s imagination. It has been a privilege to chair the group that led on the engagement and collaboration behind this application, bringing together voices from across our community to create something we can all be proud of.”
Cllr Oliver Freeston, North East Lincolnshire Council Leader, said: “Being named as one of the final 15 towns for UK Town of Culture 2028 is a proud moment for Grimsby and a powerful recognition of the ambition, creativity and resilience that defines our borough.
“This shortlisting reflects the strength of our partnerships and the passion of our communities, especially our young people, who have led this bid with energy, pride and belief in our future.
“Grimsby has always had an extraordinary story to tell, and we now have an exciting opportunity to build on this momentum and showcase our town on a national stage. Together, we will continue to champion everything that makes Grimsby unique as we take this next step in the journey.”
Our town’s Town of Culture bid was endorsed by the Greater Grimsby Board. Its chair is David Ross – Grimsby born arts philanthropist, former Chair of the National Portrait Gallery, and Chair of David Ross Education Trust. On hearing today’s news, he said: “I said when our Grimsby bid was submitted that it was vital we put our best foot forward. This announcement proves we have done just that – and more.
“For Grimsby to make the final 15 out of almost 400 towns is fantastic and testament to the determination, hard work and passion of the town’s communities, businesses and organisations. We now move to the next stage with pride and ambition.”
Lucy Ottewell-Key, Chief Executive of Horizon Youth Zone, said: “This moment belongs to our young people and our communities, who have led this bid with ambition, imagination and belief. Being shortlisted shows that Grimsby’s voice has been heard on a national stage.
“As Simon Armitage’s poem reminds us, we are stepping forward, and thanks to the incredible backing from across our town, this next stage gives us the chance to show exactly what Grimsby can do.”
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