Harrogate Town Council thanks cultural community following Town of Culture announcement

Council says bid has strengthened partnerships and created momentum for future cultural collaboration.

Harrogate Town Council has thanked the town’s cultural organisations, businesses and community groups for their hard work, creativity and commitment in supporting Harrogate’s bid for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport UK Town of Culture 2028 competition. Although Harrogate has not progressed to the next stage of the competition, the council says the process has brought key partners together and created a strong foundation for future cultural collaboration.

Harrogate Town Council has thanked everyone who contributed to the town’s bid for the UK Town of Culture 2028 competition, following confirmation that the town has not progressed to the next stage. The council said the bid had nevertheless showcased Harrogate’s cultural strengths and brought together organisations, businesses and community groups around a shared ambition for the town’s cultural future.The Mayor of Harrogate, Councillor Viv Poskitt, said the bid reflected the depth of talent, history and community spirit across the town.

Cllr Viv Poskitt (Mayor of Harrogate):

Naturally, we are disappointed not to have made the final shortlist for the Town of Culture title. Our bid showcased the incredible depth of talent, history and community spirit that defines Harrogate.

I would like to give my personal thanks to everyone from our cultural organisations, business partners and community groups who poured their passion into this application. Special thanks must go to Harrogate International Festivals, who, during their busy 60th anniversary year, contributed vision, ideas and practical support to help complete the application on time. I also congratulate the towns that have progressed to the next round and wish them well.

Councillor Paula Stott, Chair of Harrogate Town Council’s newly formed Culture, Events and Heritage Committee, echoed the Mayor’s disappointment but said the rigorous bidding process had created valuable momentum, bringing key elements of Harrogate’s cultural and creative sector together for the first time, united by a common purpose.

Cllr Paula Stott (Chair of Harrogate Town Council’s Culture, Events & Heritage Committee):

This is far from the end of the road. The work done to build this bid has catalysed a new era of cultural collaboration in our town and has helped to bring together Harrogate’s cultural and creative sector around a shared purpose. We have forged strong partnerships and developed a clear, ambitious vision for our local heritage which will not disappear with this decision.

That momentum will now help shape planning for Stray 250, the major celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Stray, which will take place in 2028.

Harrogate Town Council intends to play a key role in channelling the town’s collective energy and talent into making the historic anniversary an unforgettable celebration of Harrogate’s culture, heritage, identity and creativity.