Hitchin bids to be UK Town of Culture 2028

Hitchin has launched its bid to be named the UK’s Town of Culture for 2028.

The bid is being led by Hitchin Creative and Visit Hitchin, focusing on the people and organisations that provide the rich variety of culture across the community.

For years, Hitchin has been known for its range of musicians, artists and designers living and working in homes, studios, places of worship and entertainment, many with international reputations.

“Hitchin’s bid for UK Town of Culture 2028 is a chance to celebrate our amazing town and its wonderful community,” said Danny Pearson, Hitchin Town Centre Manager.

“We look forward to building on the achievements of the past as we continue to harness the power of collaborative action and ensure that Hitchin remains the envy of North Hertfordshire. What an exciting opportunity this will be for our town. We know we punch well above our weight when it comes to what we have on offer and what a perfect way to celebrate this.”

“We believe that a strong creative community enhances the prospects of the groups, clubs and businesses that make Hitchin such a vibrant and exciting place to be. So, prepare yourself for more weird and wonderful happenings in our town. Wrestlers, an Anglo-Saxon re-enactment group, alpacas, films screening at Hitchin Lavender Farm, The Priory music events, Hitchin Comic Con, Hitchin Beach, Street Food Monthly, the Street Art Festival and Elvis singing in St Mary's Church are planned for 2026 and beyond.”

The national competition comes with a £3.5 million prize for the winning town to deliver a major cultural programme in 2028, while shortlisted bids will receive £60,000 to develop their plans.

North Herts District Councillor Keith Hoskins is proud of Hitchin’s back story of culture.

He said: “As well as venues like the theatres, Club 85 and Benslow Music, all the sporting venues, the Minority Ethnic Forum, Hitchin Pride, the comedy events and the places of worship, everything comes together twice a year with the Hitchin Festival and the Winter Festival. None of that would happen without continued community involvement.”

The bid has also received support from the MP for Hitchin, Alistair Strathern, who added: "The bid for UK Town of Culture 2028 represents an exciting opportunity to showcase why we have such pride in our community.”

“Hitchin’s cultural life is one of its greatest strengths. As our MP I have seen our vibrant blend of heritage, arts, and community energy, and the potential for that to grow even further.”

“I am proud to support this bid and look forward to seeing Hitchin continue to flourish as a beacon for creativity and culture."

A formal submission will be made to the UK Town of Culture panel shortly, with the backing of a wide range of creative groups, musicians, writers, illustrators, actors, cultural organisations, schools, the college and businesses.

Hilary Seabrook, Chair and one of the founders of Hitchin Creative said: “Hitchin is full of talented people of all ages, many of whom have an international reputation. The organisations supporting these activities include Benslow Music, three theatres, a film club, orchestras and bands. We also have the North Herts Museum, British Schools Museum and many local pubs and venues across the town which regularly host entertainment and cultural events.

“Being the Town of Culture in 2028 would give us an opportunity to show the UK and the rest of the world just how creative Hitchin people are.”

For more information on Hitchin’s UK Town of Culture 2028 bid, visit www.hitchincreative.com and www.visithitchin.com

Danny Pearson

Town Centre Manager