Boston Borough Council has announced that the town will submit an expression of interest to become the UK Town of Culture 2028, marking a major step in celebrating Boston’s unique story and strengthening pride in place across the community.
The national competition aims to shine a spotlight on the cultural identity, creativity and heritage of towns across the UK. If successful, Boston would compete to become one of up to three finalists, with the winning town receiving £3 million to deliver its cultural programme and two runners‑up receiving £250,000 each.
The council’s bid draws on Boston’s extraordinary 1,000 year story, from its role as a major medieval trading hub and the second most important port in England, to its connection with the founding of Boston, Massachusetts in the USA.
The proposal centres on Boston’s identity as a town shaped “by land and by sea”, exploring themes of travel, trade and “portable heritage”, celebrating the traditions, languages and stories carried by generations of people who have made Boston their home.
The bid will also highlight the town’s modern cultural diversity, with more than 30 nationalities now calling Boston home.
Following extensive engagement with local people, community organisations and Boston Town Board, including consultations in 2025 and 2026; feedback has shown a strong appetite for more cultural activity, opportunities for young people, and programmes that help reconnect communities with Boston’s international history and its modern identity.
If selected as UK Town of Culture 2028, Boston aims to deliver a summer programme of events, exhibitions, performances and community‑led creative projects that bring culture into every corner of the town and help build momentum towards Boston’s 400th anniversary of the founding of Boston, Massachusetts in 2030.
Councillor Dale Broughton, Leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “Boston has an extraordinary story, and this bid is an opportunity to tell it to all those who haven’t heard about our wonderful town; to celebrate our heritage, our communities and our growing cultural identity.
“By becoming the UK Town of Culture, it would help us highlight all the great things Boston has to offer to residents, businesses and visitors alike.”
Councillor Sarah Sharpe, Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Tourism, said: “Culture plays such a vital role in how people experience their town and this programme would really bring Boston’s fantastic stories to life and support our range of diverse communities.
“By working with local partners and young people, we can create a cultural legacy that we can all be proud of, one that lasts well beyond 2028″
Claire Foster, Interim Chair of Boston Town Board, said: “Boston is a town rich in culture and history and our consultation has clearly demonstrated the importance of the town’s heritage and creative offer to local people.
“The Town of Culture bid offers us a fantastic opportunity to highlight the creativity, arts, and culture that exist here and build on this by developing an engaging and inspiring programme that will showcase Boston locally and nationally.”
Cover photo: Christopher Lewis Photography
