Fifteen towns across the UK are shortlisted to be named the first-ever “UK Town of Culture 2028”, with the final winner expected to be announced later in the process. Reporting from multiple outlets highlights that Leith, Lerwick and Isle of Bute are among the places included on the shortlist. The BBC’s coverage, echoed by other summaries, also lists Pontypridd and Birkenhead among the competing towns, alongside additional locations from across the UK.
The shortlisted competition is presented as a new UK-wide cultural award, intended to select one town to represent the role in 2028. Coverage notes that the list includes towns from different regions, including places in Scotland and Northern Ireland, reflecting the scheme’s attempt to broaden cultural recognition beyond major cities. While some outlets focus on individual towns’ local identities and histories, all sources agree on the central point: these 15 towns are now in the running for the first UK Town of Culture title, with a single winner to be chosen from the shortlist.
