'We were robbed': Northampton MP reacts after town misses UK Town of Culture shortlist
Northampton has missed out on becoming the UK’s Town of Culture in the first-ever year of the competition.
The national programme, launched by the government as an opportunity for places to tell their story and celebrate communities’ culture and creativity, received nearly 400 entries from towns across Britain.
Northampton’s bid focused on celebrating the town’s internationally recognised leather craft and shoemaking heritage, showcasing festivals, events and creative voices, and highlighting its historic landmarks and grassroots venues.
MP for Northampton South, Mike Reader, told the LDRS that he felt “robbed” that Northampton had missed out on the shortlist.
“This was an opportunity to build on the successes of the Rugby World Cup and The Great Fire of Northampton 350,” he said, “I feel particularly disappointed for all the community groups who would have benefited greatly from an initiative like this.
“I will be asking questions of the Government as to why our town has been overlooked, once again.”
Elsewhere in the county, Corby has made the shortlist of just 15 towns being considered for the title.
From these towns, the independent panel will recommend the best small, medium and large town. An overall winner will be announced in early 2027, receiving a £3 million grant from the Department for Culture, Media & Sport to host ‘a season of culture’ in 2028.
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) leader Mark Arnull said he was disappointed that Northampton had not been shortlisted, but that he remains “immensely proud of our town’s rich and distinctive culture”.
He continued: “From our world-renowned shoemaking traditions to our thriving arts scene and strong community spirit, Northampton continues to be a place of creativity, innovation and pride.
“We remain committed to working with our partners to champion Northampton’s cultural strengths, support our creative sector and in continuing to showcase everything that makes our town special.
“We send our very best wishes and good luck to Corby who will be proudly flying the flag for our county in the final 15 of the competition.”
WNC worked together with more than 30 key cultural and community partners, including Northampton Town Council (NTC), the town centre BID, Delapré Abbey, Norhampton Chronicle & Echo, NLive Radio and Royal and Derngate, to submit its formal Expression of Interest (EOI).
Despite the bid not being shortlisted, NTC councillor Jane Birch said that important conversations around Northampton as a cultural destination will continue.
She added: “The announcement of UK Town of Culture 2028 brought together groups and organisations throughout the town to contribute to the submission of an EOI.
“It is important to harness that energy and momentum and that to continue to celebrate our rich and diverse culture and heritage.
“My thanks to everyone who worked so hard collating information and recording the many and varied cultural and heritage activities.”
The full shortlist is:
Small towns: Stockton Town Centre Ward, Strabane, Isle of Bute, Lerwick, Sandown, Ilfracombe
Medium towns: Corby, Great Yarmouth, Leith, Pontypridd, Port Talbot
Large towns: Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby, Rotherham