Hay-on-Wye will submit a bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture in 2028, Hay Town Council has confirmed.

The competition, launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, builds on the UK City of Culture programme and is designed to recognise the cultural contribution of towns across the UK.

Towns classed as small, medium and large have until March 31 2026 to submit an expression of interest. Those shortlisted will be invited to develop a full bid and will receive £60,000. The winning town will be awarded £3 million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028, while two runners-up will each receive £250,000.

Hay-on-Wye is known as the original “Town of Books” and is home to Hay Festival. The town also hosts events including HowTheLightGetsIn, Fungi Town, Hay Music Festival and Hay on Fire.

The council said the bid would draw on Hay’s long cultural history, which dates back to the 12th century, as well as its concentration of artists, writers, photographers and other creative practitioners. Cultural landmarks include Hay Castle.

If successful, the bid would set out a six-month programme in 2028, shaped by local organisations and residents, and intended to have national significance.

Chair of Hay Town Council, Cllr Fiona Howard, said: “I’ve lived in Hay all my life and been a councillor for over 30 years. UK Town of Culture 2028 is possibly the most exciting opportunity the town has ever had. It will allow us to deliver a six-month cultural programme written and developed by the community. We’ve already been brainstorming ideas - can you imagine Richard Booth: The Musical? I think the late King of Hay would be smiling down on us.”

If you would like to get involved, please email the town council at: [email protected]