North Shields among initial favourites to be named UK's first Town Of Culture
North Shields has been placed as one of the initial bookies’ favourites to be named as the UK’s first Town Of Culture.
Announced in mid-January, the scheme would see three towns across the UK - one small, one medium and one large - receive arts funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The deadline for Expressions of Interest for UK Town of Culture 2028 is in March, with the shortlist of towns expected to be announced this Spring.
North Tyneside Council were quick to apply, announcing a bid package would be built ahead of the March deadline.
The town was one of the first in the UK to announce a bid.
Since then, plenty of towns across the UK have announced their interest in the scheme, with bookmakers now offering prices on the favourites.
Huddersfield is priced at evens for the prize, making the Yorkshire town the current bookies’ favourite according to prices from OLBG.
Widnes in Cheshire ranks second at 6/4 while North Shields is considered joint third favourite at a price of 2/1.
The North Tyneside town ranks equally with Halifax in Yorkshire and Folkestone in Kent.
Areas across Tyneside are still able to apply, including Gateshead.
The winner will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive a £3 million prize. The two runners-up will each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their bid, from refreshed community infrastructure to music festivals.
Part of a statement from North Tyneside Council expressing its interest in applying said: “North Shields is a small town with a big personality that has punched above its weight ever since its founding in the 13th Century. It has a history rich in maritime, fishing, mining, railway and industrial success, achievements that have often put it on the national and world stage.
“Today it is a vibrant destination for arts and culture, attracting artists and creative people from across the country and beyond.”
It adds: North Shields will put forward a strong and distinctive case, co-ordinated by North Tyneside Council. It will build on the success of North Shields 800, an anniversary programme that brought together thousands of people across dozens of creative projects throughout 2025, with heritage activities and community events, exhibitions and murals, performances, parades and storytelling.”
The town is already home to a series of arts venues including The Exchange and Salt Market Social, in addition to Tynemouth hosting world world renowned names as part of Mouth Of The Tyne Festival each summer.