Town calls on residents to support bid

A County Durham town is pressing ahead with plans to secure Town of Culture 2028 status and is calling on residents to help shape its vision.

Bishop Auckland Town Council has confirmed it will submit a formal bid, aiming to showcase the town’s heritage, creativity and strong community spirit. 

The proposal will highlight existing cultural strengths while setting out ambitions to grow arts, heritage and community-led activity in the years ahead.

As one of the largest parishes in County Durham, Bishop Auckland has built a reputation for its rich history and resilient communities. 

The bid seeks to build on that progress and position the town as a bold contender for the 2028 title.

To ensure the submission reflects local voices, a public survey has been launched, with residents invited to contribute ideas before March 3. 

Councillor Sam Zair, mayor of Bishop Auckland, said: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Bishop Auckland. 

“Our town has a powerful cultural story to tell from our heritage assets and events programme to the creativity, passion, and dedication of our residents and volunteers.   

“Our bid will demonstrate that culture isn’t only about performance and heritage; it’s about people, identity, pride of place, and community connection. 

“Winning Town of Culture would help us drive forward positive change.”

Councillor Mike Harker, chair of Town of Culture Working Group, added: “Following the meeting at the end of January at the Spanish Gallery, a working group has been busy behind the scenes pulling together all the information for the expression of interest.  

“This bid belongs to the whole town, and we cannot do it without our community.  

“We need residents to tell us what culture in Bishop Auckland means to them, their ideas, their priorities, and their ambitions for the future. 

“By completing the survey, our community can directly influence what we present in our bid to be Town of Culture 2028.  

“We encourage everyone to get involved and back the bid.”

Participants will also be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 shopping voucher.

To take the public survey, click here.

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