Friday 6th March 2026 saw the Town of Culture Forum come back together, with local representatives from organisations, community groups and businesses meeting to discuss the next stages of the Bishop Auckland Town of Culture bid. Since the initial meeting, a smaller working group has been formed. Led by the Town Council as the Accountable Body, the group includes representatives from local arts and cultural organisations, alongside the MP.
The forum was used to share feedback from the working group’s recent survey and to highlight the key elements being proposed for inclusion in the Expression of Interest. The working group were pleased to report over 285 surveys had been completed in just over a week, with the majority supporting cultural activities, but the high street remains a concern.
Attendees were also asked whether anything significant was missing. The forum expressed its support for the progress made so far, and the working group has now been tasked with presenting an updated Expression of Interest to the Town Council on 24 March, ahead of final amendments and formal submission before 31st March 2026.
Cllr Mike Harker, Chair of the Town of Culture Working Group, said:
“The Town of Culture bid is not just about 2028 in our eyes it is about working together for the best long term and sustainable options. The development of the Expression of Interest has already shown the true character of Bishop Auckland: a town that always ‘rises’ to the times. Since the competition was announced, we have mobilised a committed group of people who all want the best for our town. Volunteers, cultural organisations, sports clubs, allotment associations, historians, artists, community groups, councillors and many others have all played their part, working hard behind the scenes with a shared ambition to show the world how special Bishop Auckland is.”
“The first deadline may be the end of March, but between then and the next stage we will continue seeking views and developing ideas and initiatives ahead of the formal bidding phase. We recognise that not everyone feels able to see the positives in the current climate, but they are definitely there and they deserve to be highlighted. Our job is to shine a light on them. This is an opportunity for the community to have their say and shape the cultural future of our town.”
The outcome of the Expression of Interest will be known in the spring. If successful, Bishop Auckland will progress to the full bidding stage, supported by a £60,000 development grant to work with residents, communities and organisations to shape a detailed bid, including a cultural programme for delivery in 2028. The overall Town of Culture 2028 winner will be announced in early 2027.
