Jarrow announces plans to run for UK Town of Culture status
Jarrow is set to run for the UK Town of Culture.
Jarrow is set to enter the competition for the UK Town of Culture 2028 as work is underway to prepare the required Expression of Interest (EOI).
Both Jarrow Forward, the town’s Neighbourhood Board, and South Tyneside Council are working with partners within the town to build the case, which reflects Jarrow’s heritage, community strength and cultural ambition.
When speaking about entering the competition, Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “The people of Jarrow and its neighbouring towns have innovated and inspired world-wide advances in learning, science, industry, language, art, music, sport, the environment and social reform for more than 300 years.
“Culture connects us. It drives pride and inspires ambition. It is a proven economic driver and can be a transformational force for communities.
“It creates jobs, builds skills and confidence, attracts investment and brings people together.
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“This is an exciting opportunity to share and celebrate the national story emanating from Jarrow with the whole of South Tyneside, the wider North East region and the rest of the UK and beyond.”
Susan Wear, Chair of Jarrow Forward, has stated that being crowned the Town of Culture will help to “supercharge” the £20 million 10-year Jarrow Plan.
She commented: “The 10-year Jarrow Plan starting this year has culture and creativity running through it.
“Through £20 million government funding it aims to give every young person in Jarrow a helping hand to a better future, building their confidence and ambition through creativity, skills and pride.
“The title of UK Town of Culture 2028 would supercharge these plans for a whole generation, and have a resounding impact for young people across the whole of the North East.”
Kate Osborne, MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East, has previously backed towns in her constituency to enter the Town of Culture competition.
She added: "From the Venerable Bede to the 200 marchers of the Jarrow March, whose 90th anniversary we mark this year, Jarrow’s history is one of determination, creativity and pride.
"With £20 million of investment through Jarrow Forward and communities coming together to celebrate this heritage, the town has so much to offer and deserves to be recognised as UK Town of Culture.
"I'm proud to be the Member of Parliament that represents Jarrow, and it’s time we shift the narrative: to be remembered not just as the town that was murdered tragedy, but a town that is now rich in vibrant culture."
Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, announced plans for the inaugural Town of Culture competition, which is open to small, medium and large towns, in October 2025.
Towns must submit an EOI by March 31, which will then be judged by an independent panel, chaired by Sir Phil Redmond.
The strongest bids will progress to a shortlist and each shortlisted town will receive £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition.
Three finalists, one small, one medium and one large town, will be chosen and the winner will be crowned the UK Town of Culture 2028 - receiving a £3million prize.
The two runners-up will each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of what they put forward in their bid.
Organisers have stated that the shortlist of towns progressing in the competition is expected to be announced this Spring.
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