Leading the Bid: Ilkley for UK Town of Culture 2028
At Ilkley BID, we believe that a thriving cultural scene is the backbone of a vibrant local economy. That is why we are officially serving as the Lead Applicant in the ambitious bid for Ilkley to be named the UK Town of Culture 2028.
Key Objectives:
- Economic Growth: Attract national visitors and boost footfall for our high street businesses through a high-profile 2028 calendar.
- Showcasing Our Cultural Identity: Celebrate the town’s rich arts, heritage, culture, and creativity. We are highlighting our exceptional cultural offerings, including the renowned Ilkley Literature Festival, our thriving theatre venues, and our dynamic local arts scene.
- Investment: Secure the £3 million prize to fund an ambitious six-month cultural programme, or the £250,000 finalist grants to further local development.
Our Role as Lead Applicant
As the lead organisation, Ilkley BID is coordinating the application process, consulting with local stakeholders, and ensuring that the voice of our business community is central to the bid. This project follows a string of successful BID-led initiatives, such as the Fountain Restoration Project and our Yorkshire Day celebrations, which recently earned a Silver Award at the National BID Awards.
“Ilkley has a great track record of coming together to deliver big projects. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to become the first UK Town of Culture and show the country just how special Ilkley is.” — Councillor Jane Gibson, Ilkley Mayor
Current Status: Expression of Interest Submitted: We are working closely with Ilkley Town Council and our partners to ensure Ilkley’s application stands out among towns nationwide. This campaign represents our ongoing commitment to making Ilkley not just a premier place to live, but a leading national destination for world-class culture.
