Emsworth makes a bid for UK’s first Town of Culture title showcasing its rich history
Emsworth is making a bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture showcasing its rich history.
Emsworth will link up with neighbouring Southbourne, Thorney Island, and Westbourne to fight for the title competing against dozens of towns hoping for the winning prize of £3m to deliver a cultural programme lasting about six months in 2028.
The competition is similar to City of Culture, which began in 2013, but is aimed specifically at small and medium-sized towns and each town will be judged against for its compelling local story and high-quality arts, heritage and creative industries.
WemsFest Artistic Director Mark Ringwood, who is leading the Emsworth bid, said: "I'm sure we'll face very strong competition but we feel that we have several stories to tell which many newcomers to the area are totally unaware of.
“Our application involves the neighbouring communities of Southbourne, Thorney Island, and Westbourne and each of them have their own individual stories.
“Yes it's a case of 'if you're not in it then you can't win it' but when you add up all the ingredients there's absolutely no reason why we shouldn't be strong contenders. Over the 800 years since the settlement was first established there have been a number of notable industries and associations which have made Emsworth and the area what it is today.
“From mills providing flour from wheat imported from Holland to a thriving Oyster industry which collapsed overnight and is now being reconstituted to combat pollution.
“Add the facts that our ropemakers were once the envy of the world and the part Emsworth played in the 1944 D-Day Invasion plus notable artistic residents included actor Albert Finney, and author and playwright PG Wodehouse, and these parts make significant contributions to what Emsworth once was and what it is now.
“The very fact that a bid is being made - in the category of 'populations under 20,000 people - has brought a substantial number of cultural organisations together under one roof, and that's an achievement in itself."
The shortlist for the competition, run by The Department of Culture, Media & Sport, will be announced in late April with the winning town due to be announced in 2027.