The door is open. The conversation begins here.
On Friday October 9 2026, Grimsby Minster will be transformed into a giant interactive home as local people are invited to help shape Grimsby’s bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028. From 10am-5pm, come along (free of charge) and explore, create, and celebrate everything that makes the town unique through “Grimsby: A Place We Call Home”.
Residents, businesses, community groups and creatives are being invited to take part in the unique public engagement event, organised by Checkmate Productions on behalf of the GY28 team, which has been designed to put local people at the heart of the bid and help create a shared vision for the town’s future.
Inspired by the idea of home, the event will transform the Minster into an immersive and welcoming space where visitors can share their ideas, memories and ambitions for Grimsby.
Far from a traditional consultation, visitors will be invited to step inside a creative experience built around the bid’s four themes: Fiery Stuff, The Catch, Edge and Step Forward. Each space will provide a different way for people to explore Grimsby’s past, present and future while helping shape the town’s cultural ambitions.
In the living room, people will be invited to share personal stories and memories celebrating Grimsby’s character, determination and community spirit.
Working in partnership with The Culture House, visitors can join Becky Darnell on the sofa for Talk of the Town – relaxed conversations capturing the voices, experiences and stories of the people who call Grimsby home.
The kitchen will become a hub of ideas, with visitors helping to create a giant map of the town and identify what should be kept, changed and created for future generations. At the front door, people will be asked what makes Grimsby feel like home, while the garden will encourage visitors to imagine the headlines they would love to read about the town in years to come.
Throughout the day, the event will also feature performances, conversations and creative activities showcasing the talent, creativity and ambition already thriving across the town. Local artists, musicians, businesses, community groups and young people will all play a part in bringing the experience to life.
Katie-Lou Green, of Checkmate Productions, said:
“We’re creating something that feels completely different from a traditional public consultation – something warm, exciting and unmistakably Grimsby.
“The idea of home felt like the perfect way to do that. Everyone has their own relationship with Grimsby, whether they’ve lived here all their life, moved here recently, work here or simply have a story connected to the town. By creating spaces where people can sit around the kitchen table, have a chat on the sofa or imagine Grimsby’s future from the garden, we hope people will feel comfortable sharing what really matters to them.
“What’s particularly exciting is that the event will keep changing throughout the day. It will start as our interpretation of a Grimsby home, but as people add their stories, ideas and ambitions, it will become something created by the town itself – which feels exactly right for GY28.”
As the day progresses, the space will gradually fill with local stories, ideas, artwork and aspirations, becoming a living reflection of Grimsby itself. By the end of the event, it will have been shaped by the people who call the town home, creating a powerful picture of what residents want Grimsby’s future to look like.
The event is open to everyone. Residents are encouraged to drop in, get involved and help write the next chapter of Grimsby’s story. Go to www.gy28.co.uk to see the full event itinerary later in the week.
More ways to get involved:
If you cannot attend the event, there are many more ways to get involved in Grimsby’s Town of Culture bid:
Whether you share a story, send a message of support, attend an event or simply spread the word, every bit of support helps. You can have your say by taking part in our online survey here: https://tell-us.questionpro.eu/a/TakeSurvey?tt=LVI0o7f8cLXDoJ3Y0UO2/g%3D%3D
Visit our website GY28.co.uk to find out more, and become a GY28 ambassador and discover how you can get involved.
Instagram: @grimsby2028 https://www.instagram.com/grimsby2028/
Facebook: Grimsby2028 https://www.facebook.com/Grimsby28/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grimsby-2028/
If you’re a young person, a Grimsby resident, someone who works or studies here and you want to be involved, please email [email protected] with your details and we’ll be in touch.
Together, let’s make Grimsby the UK’s first Town of Culture #GY28
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