Children from Horizon Youth Zone have helped to bring Grimsby’s bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture to life on National Poetry Day by delivering a special reading of AMBITION, the inspiring poem written by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage
The poem sits at the heart of GY28 – Grimsby’s Town of Culture campaign – which celebrates Grimsby as a place “where the strongest stories begin” and captures the town’s spirit, resilience and determination to shape its future.
The children, who are all members of Horizon Youth Zone, each took turns reading a line from AMBITION, culminating in its powerful final message:
“Step forward: The future starts at your feet.”
The initial GY28 submission sent earlier this year tells the story of a town built on courage, innovation and community.
From the legend of Grim, the Danish fisherman who is said to have founded the town, to generations of dock workers who faced the sea’s harsh rhythms with courage and humour, Grimsby’s story is one of grit, innovation, and an unbreakable spirit.
It goes on to describe how the people of Grimsby have continually embraced togetherness, determination and creativity, turning challenges into opportunities and shaping a future full of potential.
Now in the final stage of the bid, the town is coming together to show the judges why Grimsby deserves to become Town of Culture 2028.
Fifteen towns remain in the competition out of 398 entries. Grimsby is one of four towns shortlisted in the large towns category, alongside Basildon, Birkenhead, and Rotherham. The final bid must be submitted by 30 November 2026, with the winner announced in March 2027.
The winning town will receive £3-million to deliver a six-month programme of cultural events and activities in 2028. Two runner-up towns will each receive £250,000.
Lucy Ottewell-Key, Chief Executive of Horizon Youth Zone, said:
“Every place carries its own story. In Grimsby, that story is one of resilience, community and ambition. Our bid to become the UK’s Town of Culture is a powerful opportunity to elevate the voices of our young people, celebrate our rich heritage, and showcase to the rest of the country exactly what our town is made of.”
The reading reflects the central theme running through the GY28 campaign: that culture is not only about celebrating the past, but empowering the next generation to create the future.
You can view the poetry reading on our socials. (See below)
More ways to get involved
As the town comes together behind the bid, residents, businesses, community groups and young people are being encouraged to get involved. Whether you share a story, send a message of support, attend an event or simply spread the word, every bit helps.
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
Together, let’s make Grimsby the UK’s first Town of Culture. #GY28.
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