Grimsby’s Town of Culture ambitions took centre stage today as hundreds of people flocked to Grimsby Minster to help shape the town’s bid for UK Town of Culture 2028.
The landmark event, Grimsby: A Place We Call Home, transformed the historic Minster into a bustling interactive space filled with ideas, creativity and community spirit. Organised by Checkmate Productions on behalf of the GY28 team, the event put local people firmly at the heart of the bid, capturing the stories, pride and aspirations that make Grimsby unique.
Throughout the day, visitors explored immersive spaces inspired by the bid’s four themes: Fiery Stuff, The Catch, Edge and Step Forward. Each area encouraged people to reflect on Grimsby’s past, celebrate its present and imagine what the town could become in the years ahead.
The event showcased the depth of creative talent across the borough, with contributions from local organisations, artists, performers and community groups.
In the kitchen space, visitors joined creatives for conversations and activities around the kitchen table, hosted by local theatre company lowercase theatre.
Meanwhile, the living room became a welcoming space for people to grab a cuppa, share a story and take part in relaxed conversations hosted by Becky Darnell from The Culture House, alongside members of the GY28 team and local contributors. Throughout the day, visitors shared memories celebrating Grimsby’s resilience, character and strong sense of community.
The kitchen also became a hive of activity as residents contributed to a giant map of Grimsby, highlighting the places, people and opportunities they value most, while helping identify what should be protected, improved and created for future generations.
The entryway and garden spaces encouraged visitors to think about what makes Grimsby feel like home and what they hope the town’s future could look like. Special performances from local poets and musicians took place throughout the day, adding to the vibrant atmosphere and celebrating the creativity already thriving across the town.
As the day progressed, the Minster filled with ideas, artwork, aspirations and memories, creating a growing visual representation of community pride and ambition.
Organiser Katie-Lou Green, of Checkmate Productions, said:
“The response has been incredible. From the moment the doors opened, people embraced the opportunity to share their stories, ideas and hopes for Grimsby’s future.
“What we created together was far more than an event. By the end of the day, the space had become a living reflection of Grimsby itself, shaped by the people who know and love the town best.
“The conversations we’ve had and the ideas we’ve gathered will play an important role in helping to shape the GY28 bid and demonstrate the passion, creativity and pride that exists across our community.”
The event forms part of a wider programme of engagement supporting Grimsby’s bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028, ensuring local people remain at the centre of plans for the town’s cultural future.
Cllr Bob Callison, NELC Portfolio Holder with responsibilities for Culture, said: “This is a fantastic event and we are so proud to support the bid for Grimsby to become Town of Culture 2028. It is so important that people’s voices are heard and I am confident that we will win.”
More ways to get involved
Residents who were unable to attend the event are still encouraged to get involved in GY28.
You can take part in the online survey: GY28 TOWN OF CULTURE PUBLIC SURVEY
Find out more about the bid and become a GY28 Ambassador at: www.GY28.co.uk
Follow GY28 on social media:
- Instagram: @grimsby2028
- Facebook: Grimsby2028
- LinkedIn: Grimsby 2028
- X: @Grimsby2028
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