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Dorking Throws Hat in the Ring for UK Town of Culture 2028

4th March 2026

Dorking is officially entering the running to become the UK Town of Culture 2028, a new national competition from the Department for Culture, Media & Sport that celebrates towns using culture, creativity, and community to tell their story.

As a town with a rich tapestry of independent businesses, creative makers, festivals, walking trails, a thriving food scene, heritage, music, theatre, and breathtaking landscapes, Dorking is ready to show that culture here is alive in the streets, pubs, parks, and community halls.

Leading the bid is Hello Dorking, the town’s Business Improvement District, working closely with local partners, organisations, and residents to develop an ambitious and inclusive cultural programme that reflects what makes Dorking unique.

If successful, the winning town will receive £3 million to deliver a six-month cultural programme in 2028, with two runners-up awarded £250,000 each. Beyond the prize, the process of bidding itself aims to bring the community together, spark new ideas, and build momentum for the future.

“This is about pride in place, spotlighting what makes Dorking special, and dreaming big for our town,” said a spokesperson from Hello Dorking. “We invite everyone in the community to be part of this exciting journey.”

For more information and to get involved, visit: Town of Culture – Hello Dorking.