Update, July 2026: Buxton was not among the 15 towns shortlisted for UK Town of Culture 2028. See the Government’s shortlist. The article below describes Buxton’s original bid.

Buxton’s bid for UK Town of Culture 2028

Buxton submitted an 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 was made possible by collaboration between local partners. Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust was the designated lead for the bid, supported by the We Are Buxton forum and the town’s Cultural Collective. The Collective included Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust, Buxton Opera House, Buxton International Festival, Buxton Festival Fringe, Buxton Civic Association, Babbling Vagabonds and Stone & Water. The council said the group worked with more than 80 individual artists and groups in and around Buxton.

At the time of the bid, the council described the Collective as one of 12 members of the We Are Buxton Community Forum, which represented the wider community and liaised with the borough and county councils.

A vision built on collaboration

The bid presented a town where spa heritage, the International Festival and Opera House met the creativity of local people and the natural backdrop of the Peak District.

The bid team brought together artists and heritage experts to develop a vision for opening up cultural opportunities and spaces to residents across the town.

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.”

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward also welcomed the ambition to celebrate the town’s identity and creative energy.

The competition

Buxton was one of the towns that entered the competition, run by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to celebrate the identities and cultural contribution of towns across the UK. The Government received 398 bids and shortlisted 15 towns in July 2026; Buxton was not shortlisted.

The shortlisted towns will develop full bids for the 2028 title. Read the local response to the shortlist.