Presteigne and Norton put in 'strong bid' to be UK Town of Culture

Presteigne and Norton Town Council has confirmed Presteigne and Norton’s entry in the first UK Town of Culture 2028 competition.

As one of only eight places in Wales believed to be bidding for the title, it is now waiting to hear if it has made the shortlist.

Led by a group of residents from different community organisations working in collaboration with the Town Council, the bid draws on the area’s unique borderland identity, celebrating its rich farming heritage and its people’s deep sense of belonging alongside its vibrant creative scene and community spirit.

“I’m so proud of Presteigne and Norton – we’re probably one of the smallest places in Wales applying and yet we’ve managed to pull together a really strong bid,” said Mayor Councillor Deborah Edwards.

“One rooted in innovation and entrepreneurship. We are a community that buzzes with activity and new ideas. Over the years we have created events from the world’s first- ever electric bike street rally to a competitive shed-building weekend as well as annual fixtures such as our brilliant carnival and the internationally acclaimed Presteigne Festival.

“We may be small but as the first Dark Sky community in England and Wales we are used to punching above our weight.”

The bid team started the process by issuing a comprehensive survey as a way to engage the community.

Almost 10% of the local population responded – a quarter under 18.

“What came across most strongly is that we need more and wider opportunities for our young people,” said Presteigne and Norton Town Councillor Alex Ramsay who worked on the bid.

“One of our many ideas is to find ways to match the needs of our youth with skilled people and resources already in our community – and, vice versa, encourage young people to share their skills. We want to see all kinds of skill-sharing, from furniture design to coding.”

The programme will combine family-friendly participatory events spanning the arts, music, farming and food with longer-term legacy projects.

Plans will feature collaborations with local schools, grassroots organisations and national partners, ensuring that the bid reflects the voices and aspirations of the entire community.

If shortlisted, residents and stakeholders will be invited to play a central role in shaping the bid through workshops and volunteering opportunities over the coming months.

“This is a bid built by the community for the community,” said bid team member Emma Lilley. “We couldn’t have submitted our expression of interest without the backing of our Town Council and the community.”

To hear if Presteigne and Norton reaches the shortlist follow Presteigne and Norton Town Council on Facebook