London, Feb 2026 – Penzance has officially launched its bid to become the UK’s Town of Culture 2028, putting forward a compelling vision that celebrates the creativity, community spirit and cultural richness woven into the town’s history and contemporary life.
The UK Town of Culture programme is a new initiative from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport that champions outstanding towns nationwide and aims to secure a major cultural spotlight and investment to deliver a programme of arts, heritage and community-focused activity in 2028. The overall winner will receive £3 million to support its cultural plans, while shortlisted places will benefit from development funding.
Mayor of Penzance, Stephen Reynolds said “Creativity runs through our community like tin seams through granite. Our bid will celebrate our rich and varied cultural past – but above all, it will celebrate the countless artists, musicians, performers, writers and general cultural icons who make this such a special place to live and visit. I have every faith that our uniquely quirky, iconoclastic and fiercely independent “end-of-the-line” attitude to all things creative will set us apart from the pack. Pennsans bys vyken!”
Home to painters, playwrights, poets and pirates, Penzance has been described as the ‘cultural capital of Cornwall’ with creativity running through the veins of the market town’s long and colourful history including:
Artistic Heritage and Creativity: Home to galleries such as Penlee House Gallery and Museum, Cornwall Contemporary, The Newlyn Gallery and Exchange alongside a thriving network of independent galleries, studios and creative spaces across the town.
Theatre and Literature: The Acorn Theatre hosts live music, theatre, comedy and community performances, while the Penlee Park Open Air Theatre brings outdoor productions to life in a unique garden setting in the heart of Penzance. The newly opened ‘Ritz’ is welcoming performers and shows, bringing a wide range of entertainers to West Cornwall whilst the Newlyn Film House provides a hub for world cinema, independent film and community screenings. With the new Comedy Festival, the renowned Literary Festival and more – Penzance is brimming with events to inspire and teach.
Festivals: From the midsummer Golowan Festival with its vibrant processions, music and fire celebrations, to Montol’s winter solstice festivities inspired by Cornish folklore, Penzance’s cultural calendar brings residents and visitors together year-round.
Food Culture: The annual Penzance Food Festival celebrates Cornish food, local producers and sustainability, reinforcing the town’s reputation as a destination for food lovers. With Newlyn Harbour landing the very best seafood in the UK, it’s no wonder Penzance has been named ‘Cornwall’s Foodie Capital’ in the media.
Architecture: The Grade II listed Jubilee Pool, the UK’s largest seawater Art Deco lido, stands as one of Penzance’s most distinctive cultural landmarks, alongside the Egyptian House and the iconic Market House. From Georgian terraces and the historic Market House to Cornish language, maritime heritage and harbour, Penzance’s architecture and culture are deeply intertwined.
The ‘Town of Culture’ bid reflects a wider ambition to strengthen community participation, boost local pride and attract creative partnerships that benefit residents, businesses and visitors alike. It aligns with ongoing regeneration efforts and investment in cultural infrastructure across the town.
“Penzance has always been a place where creativity, community and culture thrive together, from our festivals and galleries to our theatres, food scene and heritage spaces,” said Sarah Shaw, Director of the Penzance BID. “This bid for Town of Culture 2028 is a chance to tell our story to a wider audience and to amplify the voices of the artists, makers, performers and residents whose energy makes this town extraordinary.”
Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 31 March 2026, after which a shortlist will be selected to develop full bids. If successful, Penzance will deliver a yearlong cultural programme throughout 2028 that reflects the town’s distinctive spirit, creativity and community ambition.
ENDS
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For Press Enquiries please contact
Diana Massey at The Massey Partnership
Tel +44 7939584215
[email protected]
