Whitby Bid for Town of Culture Status Backed by Council

Whitby Town Council has officially thrown its weight behind a bid to see the historic seaside town named the UK's inaugural Town of Culture in 2028.

The decision follows a presentation from Clair Stones, chairman of the Captain Cook Memorial Museum , who outlined a "unique opportunity" for the town to showcase its heritage and community spirit on a national stage.

Work on the bid is already well underway, led by a coalition of the town's prominent attractions and businesses. The move comes in response to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport launching the competition in January 2026, aimed at driving local economic growth and restoring pride in communities.

During her address to the council, Ms Stones highlighted that 2028 represents a significant convergence of events for Whitby, including the 300th anniversary of James Cook’s birth. In her full presentation, she stated:

"In 2028, there is going to be a town of culture and this is going to be the very first one. In the coming weeks, we are going to have to finalize our expression of interest.

A group of people have already put things together. We need to build on that.

Cook 300 may be of global significance and a once in a 300year-old story, but we are not a one story town. We need to celebrate all that's good about Whitby. From its Gothic grandeur to its living crafts, from its ancient spirituality to its environmental futures.

Cook is our anchor. Whitby's vibrancy is our strength."

Ms Stones emphasised that the timing for the bid is critical, noting that several historic milestones align in 2028. She told the council:

"Something is happening in 2028 that is never ever going to happen in Whitby again.

First, 2028 marks the 300th anniversary of Cook's birth. And James Cook, of course, is very famous in Whitby. It's the place where all four ships that went on his voyages of exploration were built.

Second, there is a strong possibility that the Endeavour replica will be returning to Whitby in 2028.

And then third is the UK Town of Culture.

These three events together create a fantastic opportunity for Whitby. This is Whitby's moment. It's a unique opportunity and it simply won't come again."

The competition, chaired by Sir Phil Redmond, will judge applicants on their unique stories, how they design cultural programmes for everyone, and their ability to deliver on their vision. For Whitby, this means a wide-reaching collaboration as Clair Stones explained:

"Whitby's bid has to showcase how our heritage organizations, tourism groups, faith communities, sports clubs, arts venues, support networks, and the resident associations how they can all come together to share a vision.

The bid has to illustrate concrete examples of cross- sector collaboration, joint events that bring together different age groups that bring together a lot of different societies and a lot of different varied events.

A successful bid is also going to unite all the arts organizations that we have in Whitby, our heritage groups, our schools, our youth groups, our sports clubs and the voluntary sector around a shared vision."

The financial incentives for the town are considerable. According to government guidelines, the winning town will receive a £3 million prize, while two runners-up will receive £250,000 each. Shortlisted towns are set to receive £60,000 to help develop their full bids. Clair Stones outlined the process and the potential benefits beyond the cash prize:

"Round one is the process. Round two, shortlisted bidders. We would receive £60,000 to develop our further bid.

Round three, panel visits, presentations, and the final selection. Two finalists will receive £250,000 and the winner will receive 3 million.

But I see it more than that. The economic benefits are going to be substantial to Whitby with increased visitor the numbers. And even if we were not successful, getting together and deciding what our town wants and where we want to go for me is just as important as walking away with that 3 million pound prize."

Whitby is not the only town on the Yorkshire Coast eyeing the title. Scarborough has also signalled its intention to bid, with support from North Yorkshire Council and expert guidance from Jim Carley, who directed Doncaster’s successful city status campaign.

Alison Hume, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, has expressed her support for both towns, noting that seaside communities are often overlooked. Ms Hume previously highlighted Whitby’s Goth Weekends, Musicport festival, and the Pannett Art Gallery as examples of the "creative and talented people" within the constituency.

The Expression of Interest for the competition must be submitted by 31 March 2026, with a shortlist expected to be announced later this Spring.