Kendal misses out on UK Town of Culture shortlist
Kendal has failed to reach the shortlist in its bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture.
The town had hoped to secure the title for 2028 and unlock £3 million for a major programme of arts, festivals and community events.
However, Kendal was not among the 15 places chosen from almost 400 applications submitted across the UK.
Bid team disappointed by decision
Kendal’s bid was led by the Kendal Town of Culture Partnership and supported by Kendal Town Council.
Mayor of Kendal Helen Ladhams said the team was naturally disappointed but stressed that the result did not reflect the quality of the work behind the application.
She said the town would now look at how it could build on the bid and continue developing Kendal as a lively cultural destination.
The partnership brought together festivals, arts organisations and community groups from Kendal and the surrounding area.
Which towns made the shortlist?
The shortlisted places were divided into small, medium and large town categories.
The small-town shortlist includes:
- Ilfracombe
- Isle of Bute
- Lerwick
- Sandown
- Strabane
- Stockton Town Centre Ward
The medium-town category includes Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd and Port Talbot.
Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham made the large-town shortlist.
What would Kendal have received?
Each shortlisted town will now receive £60,000 to develop a full bid.
One place from each size category will later become a finalist. The overall winner will receive £3 million and host a season of cultural events during 2028.
The two other finalists will each receive £250,000 to deliver part of their proposed programmes.
The winner is expected to be announced in early 2027.
Kendal’s bid focused on local culture
Kendal officially launched its campaign earlier in 2026.
The bid aimed to promote the town’s existing arts and cultural scene while creating more chances for residents to take part.
Kendal already hosts several major events, including the Kendal Mountain Festival and the Lakes International Comic Art Festival.
Local venues, performers, artists and community organisations were also involved in shaping the proposal.
Bid artwork will still go on display
Although Kendal did not make the shortlist, part of its submission will still receive national exposure.
Towns entering the competition were invited to submit a postcard celebrating their bid.
Kendal’s design used artwork linked to the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. It will form part of a National Museums Liverpool collection alongside postcards submitted by other applicants.
Partnership plans to continue its work
The Kendal Town of Culture team is due to meet again after the summer.
Members will consider how to keep the links created during the campaign and use them to support future arts and community projects.
The bid may therefore still leave a local legacy, despite the town missing out on the national title.
The Government has also encouraged unsuccessful towns to build on the partnerships, ideas and public interest created during the application process.
