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Guildford bids to become UK’s first Town of Culture 2028

14th May 2026

Guildford has submitted its bid to become the UK’s first ever Town of Culture 2028, with plans to turn the town into a year-long celebration of playful culture, creativity and discovery.

 

Hoping to put its unique mix of ancient heritage and world‑leading creativity on the national stage, Guildford Borough Council led on the Expression of Interest that has been developed in partnership with cultural organisations across the town. The vision is built around making Guildford the UK’s first “town of playful culture”, connecting communities through creativity, participation and discovery.  

 

Ideas within the bid include “The Guildford Quest”, a town-wide interactive experience developed with Guildford’s world-leading games industry. This would sit alongside cultural pop-ups across parks, libraries and heritage spaces, a large-scale community play involving residents, and a new Puzzle and Play Discovery Centre celebrating Guildford’s history of invention, imagination and problem solving.

 

Shortlisting for the next stage of the competition is expected to be announced by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport before Summer 2026.

 

Cllr Vanessa King, Deputy Leader and Lead Councillor for Economy and Place, Guildford Borough Council, said: 

“Guildford has a powerful cultural story that brings past and future together with a playful, creative energy. It’s rooted in ancient heritage and shaped by global influences in literature, technology and games. This bid marks the start of telling that story in new and bolder ways.

 

“Culture already runs through everyday life here, but not everyone has always had the chance to experience or feel part of it. Bidding to become the UK’s first Town of Culture gives us the opportunity to open up those stories, connect communities and celebrate our people, local talent and creative minds that make our town so special today.

 

“The support of our local partners, who already do so much for culture in our town, has been vital. If shortlisted, we’ll invite even more people of all ages and backgrounds to help shape this shared journey. Together, we have the chance to create a lasting cultural legacy that we can all feel proud of long after 2028.”