A bid to put Barnstaple in the national cultural spotlight has taken a significant step forward after town councillors backed plans to enter a major UK-wide competition.
Barnstaple Town Council agreed to support an application for the UK Town of Culture 2028 title at a meeting held on Monday, February 23.
Councillors were asked to consider whether the authority should act as the accountable body for the bid, taking on overall responsibility should the town be successful.
According to a report presented to the council by deputy town clerk Jess Foy, the authority has been approached to serve as the accountable body for the application.
The report recommended that the council approve its support for the bid and decide whether to take on the accountable body role.
The competition will assess applications against three main criteria: the town’s unique story, how it will design a cultural programme for everyone, and how it will deliver a successful programme.
If appointed as the accountable body, the council would hold overall responsibility and ownership of the programme in the event of a successful bid. Duties could include ensuring the safe and successful delivery of events, managing financial and legal requirements, co-ordinating partners, overseeing grant funding, and monitoring and reporting to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
An expression of interest must be submitted by Monday, March 31, with the outcome expected to be announced in spring 2026.
The report states that the winning town will receive £3,000,000 to deliver its cultural programme, while two runner-up finalists would each receive £250,000.
It also notes that North Devon Plus has indicated it would be willing to act as the accountable body if the town council chooses not to take on the role.
In outlining the implications, the report highlights that the council would assume financial and legal responsibility for delivering the programme if it proceeds as the accountable body.
Councillors were told that supporting the bid aligns with strategic priorities, including protecting the history and cultural heritage of the town, working in partnership to deliver accessible and affordable activities, and leading as the democratically elected body closest to residents.
The deputy town clerk will sit on the expression of interest working group to help complete the application.
