26/08/2026
Corby Town of Culture 2028 Board confirms next steps
New PR and bid-development support to be appointed within weeks, as public consultation widens ahead of the November submission deadline.
Corby Town of Culture 2028 Board has agreed a package of next steps to accelerate the town's bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028, following a meeting of its working group on Friday (August 21).
Corby was shortlisted earlier this year as one of just 15 places invited by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to submit a full bid, with a submission deadline of 30 November 2026. The Board has now confirmed how it will use the coming weeks to strengthen the bid and deepen community involvement in the Corby area.
New support to be appointed shortly
Corby Town Council is inviting expressions of interest for two new roles to support the bid: a PR and communications agency to lead press, marketing, and digital activity, and a bid development consultant to lead the writing of the application, the evidence base, governance planning, and the evaluation framework. Both opportunities open this week and are expected to be appointed by mid-September, with work starting immediately.
Public consultation widening
The postcard campaign that launched at “Summer Shazam”, inviting people to say what makes Corby wonderful and creative, continues into schools this term and will widen to secondary schools, colleges, community groups and care homes over the coming weeks. A new sign-up page is also being developed so residents, community groups and businesses can register for updates and future opportunities to get involved. The Board is planning a public information evening at The Core in mid-September, alongside engagement at Heritage Open Days (12 & 13 September) and Love Corby's “Meet the Member” session (17 September).
Student-led branding challenge
Graphic design and media students from Tresham College and Corby Sixth Form are being invited to develop the branding and visual identity for Corby's Town of Culture campaign, from logos to posters, banners and digital assets. The challenge launches on 7 September, with a review of submissions expected by the end of the month.
Capturing Corby's story on film
The bid will also include a short film capturing Corby's story for both the DCMS panel and the wider public. Plans for a local filmmaker to lead this element are being finalised, with a dedicated budget to be confirmed separately.
Building a lasting legacy
The Board was clear that this work is about more than a single competition entry. The new consultancy support will also help establish a longer-term development strand for Corby's cultural and creative sector - one that continues regardless of the competition result and can help attract further investment, including the £250,000 in match funding needed if the bid progresses.
Cllr Mark Pengelly, who is chair of the Town of Culture Board said:
“Corby’s creativity, ambition and community spirit is going to be at the heart of this bid. The next few months are about listening to all the different organisations, groups and residents so we can build something truly special. We’d love to see lots of engagement at the sessions coming up, and look out for more updates soon.”
Follow for updates
The quickest way to keep up with the bid is to follow the Corby Town of Culture page, where updates on the PR and consultancy appointments, consultation events, the branding challenge and more will be posted as they happen.
Residents, community groups, artists, schools and businesses who want to get involved or stay informed in other ways are encouraged to use the sign-up form here Corby UK Town of Culture 2028: or call the team directly at 01536 697560.
Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce
