This is what good news sounds and feels like. Say it loud. Leith has been shortlisted for the new UK Town of Culture award.
Edinburgh’s historic port – a proud town in its own right – is one of just 15 chosen from a total of almost 400 across the UK who entered their bid for the inaugural title in 2028.
It’s a big deal, and not just because the successful Town of Culture wins £3 million. Even before the judges make their choice each town on the shortlist now receives £60,000 to develop the quality and character of their bids celebrating the unique local mixture that make each place what it is.
The money matters of course. Successful Cities of Culture like Derry-Londonderry, Hull, and Bradford have gained continuing investment even when the title passes to the next winner. Success breeds success, but there’s much more to winning than the cash. The sense of pride might be harder to measure but it’s what brings and keeps people together in towns like Leith.
Jenny Mungall and Susie Gray, the bid directors who have been working with a team of volunteers, paid tribute to the Leith spirit when they emailed to share the good news with a long list of supporters (Leith Open Space is proud to be one of more than 70 residents, artists, community organisations, schools, businesses and cultural partners).
“This has been a genuinely community-led effort from day one, built by people who care deeply about Leith and are ambitious for its future.”
A huge moment for Leith
Before the news was officially announced, Jenny and Susie enjoyed a moment,”a huge moment for Leith and a testament to the passion, creativity and commitment of everyone who has been involved in shaping this bid.”
Yet while they prepared to shout it from the rooftops – asking us all spread the word – they paused to acknowledge what the award means for each of the towns taking part. Their press release conveys both excitement and empathy.
“One of the most moving moments came when we saw the map of entries from across the UK. It was a reminder that in towns and communities everywhere, people are imagining better futures and recognising the role that culture can play in shaping them. We wish every place that put itself forward the very best in turning those ambitions into reality.”
That is certainly the declared intention of the Department of Culture Media and Sport. With the announcement of the shortlist comes a statement: “The UK Town of Culture competition is part of the government’s ambition to restore pride in local areas in every part of Britain and deliver a decade of national renewal.”
The aim is to achieve the uplift gained by Cities of Culture since Derry-Londonderry won the award in 2013. Physically, at least, the award leaves a legacy of improved infrastructure. A year ‘in the sun’ also adds brightness to the way both visitors and local residents see the town.
Small, medium or large – all imagining better futures
Looking at the shortlist you can see the towns – small, medium and large – hoping to benefit from that uplift. Three of the fifteen are in Scotland: Isle of Bute, Lerwick and Leith whose bid covers Leith Central, Leith Harbour & Newhaven and Leith Links.
Leith’s bid celebrates a town shaped by centuries of creativity, trade, migration, resilience and reinvention. Looking ahead to its 900th anniversary in 2028, the proposal sets out a vision that combines major cultural moments with grassroots participation, skills development, community leadership and long-term investment in local cultural life.
Susie and Jenny Bid directors for Leith 2028
Then look at the longlist on the DCMS website. It can’t be easy to be a judge. As Sir Phil Redmond, chair of the independent judging panel put it: “nearly 400 towns have come forward, sharing their sense of pride, ambition and desire to demonstrate how much they have, and continue to contribute to our national story.”
He hopes they have benefited already from the experience in creating new partnerships, generating confidence. Each town on the longlist (from Ashby-de-la-Zouche to Weston-super-Mare via Gateshead, Cumberland, Kirkcaldy) was asked to send a postcard celebrating their bid to be shared on social media and put on digital display in National Museums Liverpool – where the postcards will become part of the national collection.
Time to step into the limelight
With a population of 50,000, Leith is a medium sized town, in competition with Corby, Great Yarmouth, Pontypridd, and Port Talbot. Whereas Isle of Bute and Lerwick are small towns (populations up to 10,000) and competing with Sandown, Strabane, and Stockton Town Centre Ward. The large towns (populations from 60,000 – 129,000) are Basildon, Birkenhead, Grimsby and Rotherham
For Leith and others on the shortlist the focus is on what lies ahead. The independent panel will recommend the best small, medium and large town and an overall winner from these three will be designated “UK Town of Culture 2028”.
Now Jenny, who is founder-director of Jump and Susie, executive director of Premier PR, are ready for the next big steps forward.
“Leith has a remarkable story to tell as it approaches its 900th anniversary in 2028. We’re excited to take the next step and continue making the case for why this proud, creative and distinctive place should become the UK’s first Town of Culture.
“Leith has persevered for 900 years, now is its time to step into the limelight!”
Let’s help them shout from the rooftops. And everywhere else. Follow Leith 28 Instagram
