District Council backs three bids for Town of Culture representing Lewes, Newhaven and Seaford
Lewes District Council (LDC) has announced it is supporting three bids submitted from across the district to become the first UK Town of Culture.
LDC said these bids represent Lewes, Newhaven and Seaford and showcase ‘the remarkable creativity, heritage and community ambition flourishing throughout the district’.
Councillor Johnny Denis, Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture, and Tourism & Leisure, said: “We are very excited to see three strong bids come forward from Lewes district. It shows the depth of cultural talent and the shared ambition we have across our communities. Each bid speaks to the unique character of its town and the strong sense of pride that runs through the district.”
The council said it has written to each bidding organisation to confirm its role as a supporting partner and to reaffirm its ‘commitment to championing cultural growth’. LDC said these bids ‘highlight a diverse range of cultural strengths’ across the district and set out opportunities for increased investment, greater community participation and stronger cultural identity.
The 2028 winner of the government-run UK Town of Culture competition is set to be announced this year. The council said the successful town will get £3 million to deliver a major cultural programme and the two runners-up will receive £250,000 each.
Councillor Denis said: “We wish all three bidding groups from Lewes district the very best of luck, and we hope to see their hard work recognised when the shortlist is announced. These bids reflect everything that makes this district special and deserving of national recognition.”