Bishop’s Stortford has officially submitted its bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028, unveiling an ambitious, community-driven vision titled “Germinate / Generate”.

Led by Bishop’s Stortford Town Council as the Accountable Body, the bid has been developed through collaboration with key partners including East Hertfordshire District Council, South Mill Arts, Bishop’s Stortford Business Improvement District, the Henry Moore Foundation, local schools, businesses, and a wide network of cultural organisations and grassroots groups.

A Bid Built by the Community

At the heart of the bid is a strong commitment to community ownership. The programme was shaped through an inclusive engagement process, including two major workshops attended by over 60 representatives from arts, community, youth and voluntary sectors. These sessions - supported by local media, including the Bishop’s Stortford Independent, and community platforms - ensured that voices from across the town, including young people and underrepresented groups, directly influenced the vision and programme.

If shortlisted, this collaborative approach will continue through delivery, with volunteers, local organisations and a Youth Cultural Network playing a central role in shaping and leading activity.

A Bold Vision for Cultural Transformation

“Germinate / Generate” reimagines Bishop’s Stortford as a town of connection, creativity and exchange. Responding to rapid growth and social diversification, the vision positions culture as an “unavoidable” part of everyday life - transforming public spaces, bridging communities, and addressing hidden social and environmental challenges.

The programme aims to connect the town’s heritage - from its maltings and historic trade routes to its artistic legacy - with contemporary voices and global perspectives, creating a lasting “cultural operating system” for the future.

Dynamic and Inclusive Programme

The proposed programme will deliver a six-month long series of events of all scales across the town, from large-scale spectacles to grassroots community activity.

Highlights include:

  • A flagship bioluminescent installation responding to real-time environmental and movement data across the town
  • A major digital arts installation celebrating women’s stories past and present
  • A journalism and literature festival building on local media strengths
  • Expanded festivals, including the popular Bish Bash
  • Lots of smaller, hyper-local events reflecting the town’s diverse communities 

A strong focus on youth engagement will see young people leading programming, developing creative skills, and shaping the town’s cultural identity through a dedicated Youth Cultural Network.

Investment and Delivery

The Germinate / Generate programme is expected to cost approximately £3.2 million, delivering a year-round cultural programme ranging from a major flagship event to a wide mix of large, medium and small-scale activities across the town. The approach also allows flexibility to support lots of hyper-local events, ensuring broad community reach and participation.

A wider funding package of up to £3.5 million includes a significant capital investment, with around £1 million directed at the completion of the Water Lane Arts Studio and essential equipment to enhance venues across Bishop’s Stortford, leaving a lasting cultural legacy.

Additional funding of approximately £500,000 will be secured through external sources, including trusts, public funding, developer contributions, sponsorship and partnerships.

Central to the programme is a Youth Cultural Network, empowering young people to shape and lead elements of the programme. A Shadow Youth Cabinet and Junior Cultural Producers will have direct responsibility for programming and budget decisions, ensuring the programme reflects the voices and creativity of the next generation.

The programme is designed to leave a lasting legacy, including improved cultural infrastructure, stronger community networks, increased participation among young people, and a more connected and inclusive town.

Looking Ahead

With a powerful combination of community energy, creative ambition and strategic partnerships, Bishop’s Stortford’s bid positions the town as a dynamic cultural hub ready to make a lasting national impact in 2028 and beyond.

Go to: https://www.bishopsstortfordtc.gov.uk/events/uk-town-culture-2028 to find out more about the bid.

For further information, please contact Bishop's Stortford Town Council Tel: 01279 715000 or email: events@bishopsstortfordtc.gov.uk