Bognor Regis and Littlehampton miss out on UK Town of Culture 2028 shortlist

The UK Government has shortlisted 15 places across the UK. Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham are through in the large town category; Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd and Port Talbot in the medium town category; and Ilfracombe, the Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Strabane and Stockton Town Centre Ward in the small town category.

The joint bid was backed by Bognor Regis Town Council and Littlehampton Town Council, working alongside Arun District Council, and aimed to showcase the towns' arts, heritage, community spirit and ambitions for the future.

Bognor Regis Town Council unanimously agreed to support the bid in March. At the time, councillors said it was an opportunity to challenge negative perceptions of the town and highlight its wealth of artists, heritage, theatre, music and community organisations.

Mayor of Bognor Regis, Cllr Paul Ralph, said: “We are of course disappointed to learn that our bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028 was not shortlisted on this occasion. However, we remain extremely positive and will continue working to build a bright future for Bognor Regis.

“There is plenty to look forward to, with much investment being made in our town recently, including to the Esplanade through the Public Realm Improvements, the new Premier Inn and the opening of the new Alexandra Arts Centre to come next year.

“This vibrant destination for arts, culture, learning, entertainment and community activity will further strengthen the town's cultural offering, while we continue to work alongside stakeholders and residents alike to celebrate our heritage, and create opportunities that make Bognor Regis an even better place to live, work and visit.”

Meanwhile, Littlehampton Town Council launched a public campaign inviting residents to help shape ‘the story of Littlehampton’, encouraging people to share what made the town unique and what they were most proud of. The bid also highlighted the town's museums, festivals, independent businesses and seaside heritage, with hopes of securing the £3 million prize to deliver a cultural programme in 2028.

Responding to the announcement, an Arun District Council spokesperson said: "We are naturally disappointed that Bognor Regis and Littlehampton have not been shortlisted for the UK Town of Culture title. However, we remain incredibly proud of the rich and diverse cultural offer across both towns.

"The application process provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the creativity, talent and community spirit that make our towns special. From thriving arts and heritage organisations to community-led events and festivals, culture continues to play an important role in bringing people together and enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

"While this bid was unsuccessful, our commitment to supporting and celebrating culture in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton remains unchanged. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the bid and to the vibrant cultural scene that continues to flourish across both towns."

Littlehampton Town Council said that although it was disappointed by the result, the bid process had highlighted the ‘extraordinary pride, passion and ambition’ local people have for their town.

The town’s mayor, Maralyn May, said: "Naturally, we are disappointed not to have progressed to the next stage. However, we are incredibly proud of the bid we submitted and grateful to everyone who took part. The response we received demonstrated just how much pride people have in Littlehampton and how ambitious they are for its future.

"The feedback gathered throughout the process has created a valuable foundation for future work. We will continue to build on the ideas, partnerships and conversations that emerged, and we will look at how many of these aspirations can be woven into future projects, events and initiatives.

"Littlehampton has a proud history and an exciting future. This outcome will not discourage us. We will continue championing our town, celebrating our heritage, supporting creativity and exploring future opportunities to showcase everything that makes Littlehampton unique."

The town council said residents, businesses, community groups, young people and volunteers had all contributed to the bid, celebrating Littlehampton's river, coastline, maritime heritage, independent businesses and community spirit.

It added that ideas gathered during the process – including calls for more cultural opportunities, greater support for young people and stronger community connections – would help shape future projects.

The winner of the UK Town of Culture 2028 competition will be announced after the next stage of the process.