Lerwick’s bid to be 2028 town of culture launches
Public encouraged to take part in survey to shape bid
FOLK IN Shetland are being encouraged to help shape Lerwick’s bid to be the UK’s first ever town of culture.
Lerwick is one of just 15 towns shortlisted from nearly 400 applicants, with the Lerwick 28 bid being launched today (Wednesday).
If successful, Lerwick would receive £3 million to deliver a major cultural programme in 2028, with six towns competing in the small town category.
The team behind the bid is now asking people across Shetland to help decide what it should look like.
A public survey asks people across Shetland what they would like the town of culture bid to achieve, such as more opportunities for young people or more support for Shetland’s artists and creatives.
Other options include more cultural activities in Shetland’s streets and communities, new opportunities for businesses and new ways to take part, create and get involved.
The consultation will form a key part of developing Lerwick’s full bid, which must be submitted by 30 November 2026 – with the survey open until 9 October.
The proposed theme for the bid is Life at the Edge, reflecting Lerwick’s distinctive position – geographically at the edge of the UK, but culturally connected to the wider world.
Shetland Arts is leading the bid on behalf of the Shetland Partnership, with liaison officers working across communities, businesses, schools, young people and the creative sector to gather ideas and ambitions.
The Shetland Partnership also includes the likes of Shetland Islands Council, NHS Shetland, Police Scotland, UHI Shetland and Shetland Charitable Trust.
One community liaison for Lerwick 28 is Mhari McLeman, who said she was “chuffed” that Lerwick was in the running to be the UK’s town of culture.
“This next stage is crucial in making sure the bid reflects the experiences, ambitions and ideas of the people who live, work and create here,” she said.
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“This is an opportunity for the whole of Shetland to help shape what town of culture could mean for us.
“We want people to get involved, take the survey and tell us what they would like to see happen.”
The campaign will continue throughout September and October, with the team sharing feedback and themes that will emerge from the consultation before developing the final bid in November.
The winner will be announced in March 2027.
Everyone is encouraged to take part, whether they live in Lerwick, elsewhere in Shetland, work here, study here, run a business, create art or simply care about a cultural future.
You can take part in the survey here.
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