The seven Shropshire locations vying to be named the 2028 UK Town of Culture

This week, Bridgnorth officially entered its “expression of interest” in the competition that could see the winning town gifted £3 million by the government and kickstart a year‑long programme of cultural celebrations.

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However, competition is expected to be fierce with towns from up and down the UK expected to have entered a bid.

And competition is just as fierce within the county as seven Salopian towns are in the running. Here’s a look at the Shropshire town entries for the 2028 UK Town of Culture:

Bridgnorth

With its bid secured, Bridgnorth is hoping its unique, community-powered cultural scene—where festivals, performances and exhibitions don’t just happen in traditional venues, but in homes, shops, churches, pubs and public spaces across High Town and Low Town - will win the judges over.

Shrewsbury

The county town’s submission is being led by Shrewsbury Town Council, working closely with Shrewsbury BID, My Shrewsbury, Shropshire Festivals, and a range of other organisations from across the town’s cultural, business and community sectors.

Maggie Love, a creative arts consultant and local historian who represents Shrewsbury Heritage, said the town "attracts creativity and has history running through its veins".

Telford

The only town from Telford & Werekin submitting a bid, Telford is also in the running.

From Ironbridge being the birthplace of the revolution that shaped the modern world right through to the ‘new town’ mix of historic towns and modern communities as well as innovative business growth around vast green spaces, the Borough has a strong story to tell.

Community leaders including Telford & Wrekin Council, Town and Parish Councils, and local cultural and community partners have confirmed a bid will be submitted for the Town to be crowned the first ever ‘Town of Culture’.

Oswestry

Oswestry Town Council has also confirmed its expression of interest to be named UK Town Of Culture has been submitted.

Our EOI bid to become UK Town of Culture is in!

A spokesperson said: “We've worked hard to capture what makes Oswestry truly special - our borderland identity, our rich heritage, our lively cultural scene, and our extraordinary community spirit.

“Huge thanks to Love Oswestry and everyone who helped shape a submission we’re really proud of.

“We'll hear whether we've made it through to the next round later this spring. Fingers crossed.”

Market Drayton

With centuries of food heritage, a proven record of volunteer‑led culture and a renewed push to boost its markets and makers, Market Drayton enters the Town of Culture race with a clear sense of identity. Its bid will now look to turn that momentum into a case strong enough to stand out on the national stage.

But, whether it makes the shortlist or not, the work already underway suggests a town determined to celebrate what makes it unique - and ready to welcome more people in to share it.

Ludlow

Submitting its expression of interest last week, Ludlow’s bid tells the story of a town defined by its borderland identity, rich heritage, and remarkable capacity for reinvention.

The bid outlines plans for new cultural pathways, creative skills development, paid youth roles, and a “Festival of the Future” shaped by young people’s vision for Ludlow over the coming decades.

Broseley

It may be small, but Broseley is also in the running. Among Broseley's many historic claims to fame are the construction of the world's first iron boat and the first-ever flanged railway.

The tiny town's giant history has left behind a unique blend of humble cottages, Georgian mansions and more listed buildings than the number of houses that made up the town back in the 1600s.

Few towns of its size can claim historic contributions as substantial as the hillside town and its bid is hinged in its close-knit community that gives Broseley an authenticity many larger contenders can’t match.