The Town of Culture is aimed at smaller towns and there are three categories based on the size of an area’s population.

They are:

Small town (Less than 20,000 people)

Medium (20,000 – 75,000 people)

Large (75,000+)

There will be a winner in each category and from these, an overall winner will be selected.

The overall winner will receive £3m for a cultural programme in 2028, and the two other finalists will receive £250,000 each to put on part of their bid.