GY28 – UK Town of Culture

We’re looking for talented freelancers to help with our Town of Culture application! Find out more and apply today .

Grimsby has been named as one of 15 towns shortlisted for UK Town of Culture 2028, the first-ever national competition celebrating the creativity and identity of towns across the country.

Get involved

Photo by Emma Gibbon

Following in the footsteps of UK City of Culture, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) launched the first ever UK Town of Culture competition. There will be one overall winner out of the 15 that have been shortlisted which will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 receiving the £3 million prize.

The two runners-up will each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their bid submitted in their full application. This competition, which was announced by the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy in October 2025, provides a platform for communities to tell their own unique story and shines a spotlight on the vital role towns play in national life.

Almost 400 towns entered the Town of Culture 2028 competition, and Grimsby’s shortlisting recognises the ambition, creativity and belief shown by people across the borough. Now, each of the 15 shortlisted towns will now receive £60,000 to progress their bid.

Grimsby has been named one of the final 15 towns shortlisted for UK Town of Culture 2028!

Watch this space for more information on how to get involved!

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Watch the full playlist: #GY28 – UK Town of Culture – YouTube

We need your voice!

This bid is strengthened and shaped by local people’s voices and it is your story we want to tell, so find out on how you can get involved to shape the vision for GY28.

Share your thoughts

To learn more and explore the ideas that were submitted into the Expression of Interest check out our news story below.

Our GY28 proposal

Other ways to get involved

“I am / we are backing Grimsby to be a UK Town of Culture because…”

Join the GY28 campaign involved and share your thoughts in a video on why Grimsby should be the UK town of Culture.

In a short video say ”I am backing Grimsby to be a UK Town of Culture because…” and post on your social media with the hashtag #GY28.

Download the Town of Culture materials

If you are an organisation or business who wants to support GY28, please email us at Grimsbytownofculture@nelincs.gov.uk.

Freelance opportunities to support Grimsby’s Town of Culture bid

Grimsby has been shortlisted for the UK’s first Town of Culture 2028 competition and is looking for local freelancers to help develop its final bid.

We’re recruiting for four paid freelance roles from September to November 2026. Working with residents, businesses, community groups and young people, successful applicants will help shape the town’s cultural vision and ensure local voices are reflected in the final submission.

Available roles

An experienced cultural producer who will help design an ambitious programme of events and activities that reflects Grimsby’s identity, heritage and future aspirations. The role will work with artists, organisations and communities to develop a compelling vision that could help secure national recognition for the town.

Download the brief (PDF, 89KB)

Responsible for engaging communities across North East Lincolnshire, gathering ideas and feedback, and ensuring residents play a direct role in shaping the bid. The successful applicant will help establish a GY28 Citizens’ Panel and identify the themes and stories that matter most to local people.

Download the brief (PDF, 77KB)

Focused on working with children and young people to capture their ambitions for Grimsby’s future. The role will create opportunities for young people to contribute ideas and ensure their voices are reflected throughout the final submission.

Download the brief (PDF, 78KB)

This is a unique opportunity to create the visual identity behind one of the most ambitious projects in our town’s recent history, helping to inspire pride, participation and excitement across the borough.

Building on the established GY28 identity, you’ll develop a bold and authentic brand, campaign assets and creative toolkit that captures the spirit of Grimsby: our heritage, resilience, creativity and ambition for the future.

Apply now!

Applications are open now, and will close on Tuesday 1st September at 2pm.
Applicants should send a CV and a cover letter no more than two A4 pages.
Submit your application to createnortheastlincolnshire@nelincs.gov.uk.

Contact details

Complete the survey at: Grimsby Town of Culture 2028
Grimsbytownofculture@nelincs.gov.uk

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