Presteigne and Norton Town Council has confirmed the community has submitted an entry for the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028 competition, and is now awaiting news on whether it has made the shortlist.

The bid has been developed by a group of residents working alongside the town council, drawing on the area’s distinctive borderland identity. It highlights the area’s farming heritage, strong sense of belonging, and an active creative scene underpinned by a close-knit community spirit.

Mayor Deborah Edwards said: “I’m so proud of Presteigne and Norton 0 we’re probably one of the smallest places in Wales applying and yet we’ve managed to pull together a really strong bid - one rooted in innovation and entrepreneurship.

“We are a community that buzzes with activity and new ideas. Over the years we have created events from the world’s first-ever electric bike street rally to a competitive shed-building weekend as well as annual fixtures such as our brilliant carnival and the internationally acclaimed Presteigne Festival.

“We may be small but as the first Dark Sky community in England and Wales we are used to punching above our weight.”

Community engagement has been central to the bid process. A survey was distributed locally, receiving responses from almost 10 per cent of the population, including a significant proportion of under-18s.

Cllr Alex Ramsay, who helped develop the bid, said: “What came across most strongly is that we need more and wider opportunities for our young people.

“One of our many ideas is to find ways to match the needs of our youth with skilled people and resources already in our community – and, vice versa, encourage young people to share their skills. We want to see all kinds of skill-sharing, from furniture design to coding.”

The programme will combine family-friendly participatory events spanning the arts, music, farming and food with longer-term legacy projects. Plans will feature collaborations with local schools, grassroots organisations and national partners, ensuring that the bid reflects the voices and aspirations of the entire community.

If shortlisted, residents and stakeholders will be invited to play a central role in shaping the bid through workshops and volunteering opportunities over the coming months.

“This is a bid built by the community, for the community,” says bid team member, Emma Lilley.

“We couldn’t have submitted our expression of interest without the backing of our town council and the community.”

To hear if Presteigne and Norton reach the shortlist, follow Presteigne and Norton Town Council on Facebook.