Culture & Leisure

What do you love about Letchworth Garden City? What part of our culture most impacts you? Our bid is all about our people and community - and we want to hear your stories. If you'd like to join us on our bid journey, please email response@letchworth.com and tell us why you think Letchworth Garden City should be the UK's first Town of Culture...and we'll be in touch!

As the world’s first Garden City, founded in 1903 by Ebenezer Howard, Letchworth has inspired urban planners and social reformers around the globe with its pioneering vision of combining the best of town and country living. 2028 marks the 125th anniversary of this visionary moment in community building and planning history, making it a fitting year for the town to welcome the UK’s cultural spotlight.

Letchworth’s bid will be rooted in our origins of culture, heritage and – most importantly - community; celebrating our unique contributions to art and design, culture, progressive social reform and civic life. It builds on a growing cultural ecosystem including the Garden City Collection, which preserves over 250,000 objects that tell the story of Letchworth’s place in history, and a vibrant and inclusive programme of community arts and heritage activities. Crucially, the bid will harness the collective creative power of Letchworth Garden City’s people – a thriving hub of artists, educators, practitioners and creators – each with a passion for keeping the pioneering spirit of Ebenezer Howard alive.

The national competition will celebrate the unique stories of towns across the country, recognising their contribution to the nation’s culture, pride and prosperity. The winning town will receive £3.5 million to deliver a major cultural programme in 2028, while shortlisted bids will receive £60,000 to develop their plans.

The bid is being led by Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation – the organisation responsible for the stewardship of the town. “Letchworth Garden City’s bid for UK Town of Culture 2028 is a chance to celebrate our extraordinary pioneering heritage while igniting an ambitious cultural future shaped by the voices of our diverse communities,” said Graham Fisher, Chief Executive of the Heritage Foundation. “As stewards of the world’s first Garden City, we are proud of our history and determined to ensure culture and creativity sit at the heart of the town’s next chapter - enriching lives, strengthening community, and benefiting everyone.”

Councillor Val Bryant, Leader of North Hertfordshire Council said “Culture is at the heart of Letchworth Garden City’s identity and its future. This bid will be a wonderful way to celebrate the town’s creativity, heritage and community spirit. Coming at the same time as Letchworth’s 125th anniversary, it will be a unique opportunity to showcase the town and the pride the community takes in it. “

Hilary Kemp leads Letchworth Festival – the annual celebration of arts and culture in the town. She was keen to champion the bid saying: “The Letchworth Festival is a labour of love, run entirely by volunteers for the community. For me, it’s a perfect metaphor for the entire town past and present – extraordinary results from a passionate community which is significantly greater than the sum of its parts. I’m thrilled that Letchworth is being recognised regionally as the cultural hotspot that it is – and can’t wait for the town to be thrust onto the world’s stage!”

The bid has also received parliamentary support from Chris Hinchliff MP, Member of Parliament for North East Hertfordshire. “I’m delighted to support Letchworth Garden City’s bid for UK Town of Culture 2028,” said Chris. “This town’s legacy of innovation and community will resonate with the nation and beyond, drawing attention to local arts, heritage, and creativity. It will also draw attention to the beautiful arts and crafts designed houses which are quintessential to Letchworth Garden City, and an inspiration and template for architects and planners around the world.”

The bid aligns with local ambitions to strengthen cultural participation, support creative industries and boost pride of place. It has the potential to bring thousands of visitors to the area, support local businesses, and leave a lasting legacy of cultural investment and engagement across the district.

A formal submission will be made to the UK Town of Culture panel later this year. The bid is backed by a wide range of community partners, cultural organisations, educational institutions, and local businesses.