Coalville and Ashby weigh bids for UK Town of Culture title

Two Leicestershire towns, Coalville and Ashby-de-la-Zouch, are considering bids to be the UK's first Town of Culture for 2028, and their MP Amanda Hack has said she would back the bids.

Two towns in Leicestershire are considering bids to be named the UK's first Town of Culture. The government has invited towns to enter the new competition, which will run alongside the existing UK City of Culture contest. Bradford won the City of Culture title in 2025. Coalville and Ashby-de-la-Zouch have both said they would be interested in competing for the 2028 Town of Culture title. Key facts: - The government invited towns to enter a new Town of Culture competition. - The Town of Culture contest will run alongside the UK City of Culture programme. - Bradford was the UK City of Culture for 2025. - Coalville and Ashby-de-la-Zouch have confirmed interest in a 2028 bid. - Amanda Hack, Labour MP for North West Leicestershire, said she would back their bids. Summary: The Town of Culture title would be the first of its kind and is planned for 2028 alongside the City of Culture programme. Undetermined at this time.