Guildford Bids to Become UK’s First Town of Culture 2028

Published on: 14 May, 2026
Updated on: 14 May, 2026

By Martin Giles

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.

Cllr Vanessa King

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.”

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.

Amanda Masters, CEO, Experience Guildford Business Improvement District, said: “We are pleased and proud to be part of this process. We recognise the significant cultural potential this remarkable town has to offer both residents and visitors. This opportunity will enable us to expand and highlight the diversity of Guildford’s cultural offering.”

And Joanna Read, director and chief Executive of he Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, said: “Everyone at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre is delighted to support this bid.

“The theatre has been making and presenting fantastic entertainment in the town for almost 61 years, shining a light on creativity and engaging audiences. We benefit enormously from the strength and success of local cultural partnerships. If this bid is successful, it will mean even bigger, more exciting and long-lasting opportunities for everyone in the town.”

Christina Horsepool, venue director, G Live, was equally enthusiastic: “G Live is delighted to support Guildford’s bid for UK Town of Culture. Rich in creativity and history, the town is full of cultural energy, and this bid offers an exciting opportunity for communities, artists, and partners to come together, collaborate and make culture accessible to everyone, and we’re excited to play out part in this ambition.”

And Prof Patricia Pulham (Head of the School of Arts, Humanities and Creative Industries), University of Surrey, said: “[We] are delighted to collaborate with Guildford Borough Council in its bid to make Guildford the UK Town of Culture. SAHCI’s disciplinary departments – the Guildford School of Acting, Music and Media, and Literature and Languages – have highly successful, long- established relationships with Guildford art venues, like the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and the Guildford Institute, and contribute regularly to annual events such as the Guildford Book Festival and the nationwide Being Human Festival.

“Together we aim to showcase Guildford’s longstanding contributions to the Arts and build its creative future to benefit its communities and promote Guildford as a cultural destination.”