Buxton disappointed not to be shortlisted for UK Town of Culture 2028

Although Buxton has not been shortlisted for UK Town of Culture 2028, and no towns in Derbyshire have progressed to the next stage, we want to take a moment to recognise the incredible cultural energy, heritage, and collaborative spirit that continues to thrive in the town every single day.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport shortlisted 15 towns from almost 400 entries received. They will now receive £60,000 each to work up full bids, with the aim of becoming the UK Town of Culture for 2028 and receiving £3million of funding.

However, Buxton’s cultural story is bigger than any award. It lives in our festivals, our heritage buildings, our attractions, our artists, our volunteers, our schools, our community groups, and the organisations who work together year‑round to bring creativity, learning, and shared experiences to local people and visitors alike.

Simon Wallwork, CEO of Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust — the lead organisation that coordinated the bid — said: “Although Buxton hasn’t progressed to the next stage of UK Town of Culture 2028, our commitment to the town’s cultural life remains as strong as ever. Every day we see organisations, volunteers, artists, venues, and community groups working together to create something genuinely special here. That spirit doesn’t depend on a shortlist — it’s part of who Buxton is. We’re proud to play our part in that shared effort, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate on new ideas, new partnerships and new experiences that keep Buxton’s heritage and creativity thriving.”

High Peak Borough Council is currently starting to implement a new Culture Strategy, which sets out a shared vision for how arts, heritage, and culture could shape the lives of residents, organisations, and businesses across the High Peak by 2030. The strategy includes a dynamic action plan and roadmap for achieving this ambition. Although Buxton has not been shortlisted for UK Town of Culture 2028, the work undertaken through the bid has created valuable momentum that aligns strongly with this developing vision

The partnerships strengthened during the process, the insights gathered, and the collaborative energy generated will all help inform and support the development of the Culture Strategy — ensuring that future cultural activity across the borough is ambitious, connected, and rooted in the needs and aspirations of local people.

Leader of High Peak Borough Council, Councillor Anthony McKeown added: “The Council has a long history of supporting cultural activity in Buxton and across the borough. We are proud of the partnerships that made this bid possible and grateful to our partners for their work on the bid. That work to support culture in Buxton and across the borough doesn’t stop here. If anything, this moment strengthens our commitment to continue working with our partners to develop plans, deliver meaningful events, and create activities shaped by what our community wants and needs.

“As part of the plans within our culture strategy, to support its work we have included plans to deliver a Year of Culture within the period 2028 to 2030 across the High Peak area, however we also want to ensure the culture across our patch is recognised before local government reorganisation takes effect, so watch this space.”

Buxton is a place where culture is lived, not just showcased.

Those involved look forward to continuing the collaborative work with partners across the town, celebrating what makes Buxton special, and bringing new ideas to life for everyone who calls this place home.

Buxton’s heritage and creativity continue to thrive, and it is exciting to build on this momentum for the future.