A proud moment for Corby and North Northamptonshire: UK Town of Culture shortlist success
13 July 2026
North Northamptonshire Council acknowledges and welcomes Corby's fantastic achievement in being shortlisted for the UK's first Town of Culture competition.
Selected as one of just 15 towns from nearly 400 entries across the UK, Corby has earned a place in the next stage of the prestigious competition. The town will now go on to develop a full bid for the chance to host a major programme of cultural activity and events in 2028.
North Northamptonshire Council has been proud to support bids from Corby, Wellingborough, Kettering and Rothwell town councils, working closely with local partners to showcase the incredible creativity, rich heritage, vibrant cultural offer and strong community spirit that exists across North Northamptonshire.
Corby's shortlisting is a testament to the passion, ambition and collaboration of those involved. The success shines a spotlight on the area's thriving cultural scene and highlights the important role that culture plays in bringing communities together, boosting pride of place and supporting local prosperity.
This is excellent news for Corby and for North Northamptonshire. Being shortlisted from almost 400 entries is a remarkable achievement and reflects the strength of Corby's cultural offer, heritage and community spirit.Cllr Martin Griffiths, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council.
We were proud to support the development of bids from Corby, Wellingborough, Kettering and Rothwell, working with partners to showcase the unique stories and strengths of our towns. In Corby, key cultural assets including The Core at Corby Cube, Corby Heritage Centre and East Carlton Countryside Park helped demonstrate the depth and quality of the town's cultural offer.
I would also like to recognise the hard work, creativity and ambition shown by Wellingborough, Kettering and Rothwell throughout the competition process. Their bids reflected the wealth of culture, heritage and community pride that exists across North Northamptonshire.
Corby's success demonstrates the important role culture can play in bringing people together, celebrating local identity and supporting economic growth. Through our Cultural Masterplan and the appointment of a dedicated Cultural Officer, we remain committed to growing opportunities for culture, creativity and heritage across North Northamptonshire, while working with partners to attract further investment into the sector.
We wish Corby every success in the next stage of the competition and look forward to continuing to support partners as they develop their bid and showcase everything that makes Corby such a special place.
The UK Town of Culture competition was launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Shortlisted towns receive £60,000 to develop full bids, with the overall winner set to be announced early next year and awarded the title of UK Town of Culture 2028.
More information is available on the GOV.UK website