We're delighted to nominate Gateshead for Town Of Culture status
Gateshead Council has confirmed the region will be putting forward a case to be named the UK Town Of Culture.
Announced in October 2025, the Town Of Culture competition would give additional funds to smaller areas which can not apply for City Of Culture status.
Applications for the titles opened on Wednesday, January 14 with three finalists to be named - one small, one medium and one large town, based on population.
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.
After North Tyneside Council announed their application on behalf of North Shields earlier this year, Gateshead Council have now confirmed their town will also put itself forward for consideration.
A statement from the council, posted to social media, reads: “We’re gearing up to make a bold bid to become Town of Culture 2028 - and it’s a move that reflects the creativity, identity and pride at the heart of our borough.
“This builds on 18 months of work with community groups, freelancers and major cultural organisations to shape a long‑term culture strategy that celebrates who we are and where we’re going.”
The statement includes a comment from Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, who said: “Our culture is shaped by our communities, our grassroots groups and our independent creatives.
“Applying to be Town of Culture is an audacious move, but it matches our spirit, ambition and pride.”
If it is victorious, Gateshead will be named Town Of Culture for 2028, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Tynei Bridge as well as the 30th anniversary of the Angel Of The North.