Retford has put its hat in the ring to become the UK's first ever Town of Culture, with a formal submission now lodged with the government for the newly launched national competition.

The bid has been put together by the Retford Town Centre Partnership Board, supported by Bassetlaw District Council, and follows the same model as the well-established UK City of Culture scheme, which has previously seen cities such as Hull, Coventry and Bradford transformed by a year-long cultural programme.

What Retford's bid is built on

The submission leans heavily on what Retford already does well: its dance schools, art galleries, theatres, museum and distinctive town-centre architecture. It also highlights two of the town's biggest annual events – the Illuminate Winter Festival of Light and the Christmas Lights Switch-On – as examples of how the town already pulls together to deliver ambitious, free, community-driven cultural events.

The bid also references Retford's historic links to the Pilgrim Fathers, the group of religious separatists from Nottinghamshire who set sail for America on the Mayflower in 1620 – a heritage story that still draws visitors to the town.

What the Partnership Board says

“Retford is a great candidate for UK Town of Culture with its many dance schools, art galleries, theatres, museum, and architecture.

“The combination of the Christmas Lights Switch-On stage performances and the Illuminate Winter Festival of Light event provides a brilliant example of how our young people, museum team, market and street entertainment can come together to produce significant free events for the whole community.”

— Rick Brand, Chair of the Retford Town Centre Partnership Board

£3 million for the winner

The Town of Culture search has been launched by the government with three prize categories covering small, medium and large-sized towns. The stated aim is to “boost civic pride and champion grassroots art and culture”, moving some of the cultural investment spotlight beyond major cities and into the smaller towns that often feel left out of national funding rounds.

The winning town will receive £3 million to deliver a six-month cultural programme in 2028. The two other finalists in each category will each receive £250,000 to put towards some of their own plans.

Council backing the bid

“We are pleased to be supporting the Retford Town Centre Partnership Board in their bid to be the first UK Town of Culture.

“Whatever the outcome, it's a great chance to shine a light on some of the wonderful art and cultural events we are lucky to have on our doorstep.”

— Cllr Charles Adams, Bassetlaw District Council Cabinet Member for Business and Skills

Thanks from the Mayor

“This town owes an enormous amount of gratitude to the Retford Business Forum and the Retford Town Centre Partnership Board for their unwavering commitment to this town and its cultural heritage.

“I would specifically like to thank Rick Brand for leading us through this Town of Culture application process and highlighting across the country what spectacular free events are available here and our strong sense of community.”

— Cllr Harriet Digby, Mayor of Retford

What happens next

Retford's submission will now be considered by the government, with a shortlist expected to be announced in spring. If Retford makes it to the final stages, the town could be in line for either the headline £3 million prize or one of the £250,000 runner-up awards – either of which would be a significant boost for the town's cultural economy over the next two years.

Worksop Wire will follow the bid closely and bring you updates when the shortlist is published.