Buxton UK Town of Culture?
Buxton has submitted its Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to be named the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028.
The submission has been made possible by the collaborative work of key partners in the town. Whilst Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust are the designated lead organisation for the bid, it has only been made possible thanks to the energy and input of the We Are Buxton forum members, with support from the towns Cultural Collective whose core membership includes Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust, Buxton Opera House, Buxton International Festival, Buxton Festival Fringe, Buxton Civic Association, Babbling Vagabonds, and Stone & Water. This core group works with over 80 individual artists and groups in Buxton and the surrounding areas, operating in the cultural sector and creative industries.
The Collective is one of 12 Members of the We Are Buxton Community Forum which provides a voice for, and co-ordinates action on behalf of, the wider Buxton community, including liaison with High Peak Borough and Derbyshire County Councils.
A Vision Built on Collaboration
The bid presents a town where world-renowned Spa heritage and famous thermal waters, coupled with the appeal of Buxton’s International Festival and Opera House, meet the creative talents of a population inspired by the dramatic natural backdrop of the Peak District, and an industrial heritage that still sustains us.
Bringing together artists and heritage experts, the bid team has delivered a vision that celebrates Buxton’s people, its history and natural and built assets, with the vision of opening up cultural opportunities and spaces to every resident, from the town centre to our outlying neighbourhoods.
Simon Wallwork, CEO of Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust and key Consortium partner, said:
“Buxton has always been a place where heritage and creativity meet. Having seen the transformative power of restoring the Crescent, we know that our town’s story is a compelling one. This bid is a chance to build on that momentum, using our unique history as a foundation for a vibrant, inclusive cultural celebration in 2028. Following our recent community presentations, it’s clear the people of Buxton are ready to show the UK exactly what this historic gateway to the Peak District can achieve.”
Jean Ball – We are Buxton – “Our town is rich in creative talent and ambition, but much of it is hidden beneath the surface. Our Town of Culture bid aims to draw out that talent, giving people the opportunity to share in creating our celebration of our unique place. We couldn’t let this opportunity pass without putting Buxton forward for this prestigious opportunity. The programme would also be timed to draw visitors and footfall to the town to support our precious local businesses during the inevitably disruptive work to transform The Springs area of the town centre.”
Jon Pearce – MP – “I’m backing Buxton’s bid to become the UK’s first ever Town of Culture. Buxton already has so much to offer: magnificent architecture, natural beauty, and spa heritage; our Opera House, Pavilion Gardens, and the Devonshire Dome. But this prize offers us the opportunity to become one of the key northern cultural hubs.”
Claire Ward – East Midlands Mayor –“ It is great news that you are taking this step, and Mayor Claire is pleased to see such enthusiasm for celebrating the town’s identity and creative energy.”
“Across the East Midlands, our towns play a vital role in shaping who we are as a region. Each place has its own character, heritage and community spirit, and this competition offers a meaningful chance to highlight that on a national stage. Mayor Claire welcomes the ambition you are showing in wanting to build a programme that showcases Buxton’s strengths and engages local people in the process.”
The Competition
Buxton joins potentially over 230 towns across the UK vying for the title. The competition, run by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, is designed to celebrate the unique identities of smaller towns and their contribution to Britains rich and varied cultural offer. If successful, Buxton would receive significant funding to deliver an exciting and groundbreaking cultural programme in 2028, putting the town on the national stage.
The DCMS is expected to announce the shortlisted towns in the coming weeks.
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