The people, pride and resilience that define Grimsby have been highlighted by local residents and football supporters as the town continues its campaign to become UK Town of Culture 2028.
Fans attending a recent Grimsby Town match were asked three simple questions: what makes Grimsby, Grimsby; what makes them proud of the town; and what they want for its future. Their answers paint a powerful picture of a community determined to celebrate its heritage while looking confidently ahead.
For many, it is the people who sit at the heart of Grimsby’s identity.
One supporter said: “Grimsby isn’t perfect, far from it. But perhaps that’s part of why I love it. It’s a town with scars, history and character. It has lost industries, faced economic decline and had opportunities taken away from it, but it hasn’t lost its identity. Beneath the problems there is still enormous pride. For me, the real Grimsby story isn’t one particular building or famous person. It’s the people.”
Another simply added: “It’s the friendliness of the people that makes Grimsby to me.”
When asked what makes them most proud of the town, respondents spoke passionately about Grimsby’s character, resilience and deep connection to the sea.
One fan described Grimsby as a place shaped by generations of determination and hard work.
“What makes Grimsby special is the grit of its people. It is the salty sea air coming in from the Humber, the sound of the docks, the smell and churn of the fish-processing industry, and the feeling that this town has spent generations getting on with things even when life hasn’t always been easy.”
Others pointed to the efforts being made every day to change perceptions and build a brighter future.
“Resilience and the people working to raise the name and reputation of Grimsby,” said one supporter.
Another reflected on the town’s rich history and ambition for the future: “We have heritage and history that stretches back to the Vikings. We could have sat back and watched our town centre continue to decline, but we didn’t. We are trying. That is us, linked to the sea, renewal, tidal and strong.”
Looking ahead, supporters shared an optimistic vision for Grimsby’s future, calling for a thriving, creative and inclusive town where everyone feels proud to belong.
Responses ranged from hopes of attracting people from diverse backgrounds and industries, to calls for more art, creativity and bold new developments that celebrate Grimsby’s maritime identity.
Perhaps the most powerful ambition came from one supporter who said simply: “I would love for EVERYONE to be proud of it.”
The comments reflect the values at the heart of the Grimsby Town of Culture 2028 bid: celebrating the town’s heritage, championing its people and inspiring a confident future.
As the campaign gathers momentum, residents are being encouraged to share their own stories, memories and aspirations, helping to showcase the spirit that makes Grimsby unique.
While buildings, industries and landmarks may tell part of the story, it is the people of Grimsby who tell the whole story.
Ways to get involved:
Attend our free community launch event, “Grimsby: A Place We Call Home”, this Friday October 9 at Grimsby Minster from 10am-5pm.
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: GY28 TOWN OF CULTURE PUBLIC SURVEY
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/
Together, let’s make Grimsby the UK’s first Town of Culture #GY28
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