Community leaders have thrown Huddersfield’s hat in the ring to become the UK’s first Town of Culture in 2028.

A first meeting was organised by Clr Andrew Cooper, leader of the Green Party on Kirklees Council, and since then a small group of passionate individuals have drawn up a bid document.

It’s the first time the Town of Culture has been held – City of Culture was launched in 2009 – and the Government has asked for expressions of interest by the end of March 2026.

Huddersfield’s bid, which has the support of Kirklees Council, has been driven by a collective of indies, social enterprises and passionate individuals who wish to see the town and its culture celebrated.

Gabby Hurt, founder of Hive Huddersfield CIC, said: “We are thrilled that the Expression of Interest  (EOI) we submitted for approval to Kirklees Council has their full backing, and are excited to now submit to the funding body.”

A small, medium and large town will make a final shortlist of three and each will be given £60,000 by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to develop their bid. An announcement is expected in autumn 2026.

The winning town will receive £3 million to stage a year-long celebration while the other two will receive £250,000 each.

Gabby added: “We are very thankful to the group of people who came together in three short weeks to work collaboratively, volunteering their time and expertise to ensure a viable and exciting EOI was created – capturing the voices of many who call Huddersfield their home.”

Huddersfield-born international artist Ian Berry is passionate about his hometown and has already expressed his support for the bid. Read his thoughts HERE.

While Huddersfield will be bidding against towns nationwide, there will be local competition from Holmfirth and Batley.