Ripley, Alfreton, and Heanor Join Forces in Landmark Joint Bid for UK Town of Culture
AMBER VALLEY, DERBYSHIRE - In a historic show of regional unity, the Town Councils of Ripley, Alfreton, and Heanor have officially announced they are joining forces to submit a collaborative bid for the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028 competition.
From Left to Right: Mayor Alan Abernethy (Heanor), Cllr Paul Jones (Heanor), John Felix, Cllr David Taylor (Alfreton), Hannah Curzon (Ripley Town Council Clerk), Fiona (Ripley Town Clerk Assistant), Linsey Farnsworth MP (Amber Valley). Taking Picture - Cllr Matt Allwood (Ripley)
The decision to submit a joint "Expression of Interest" follows a call to action from local MP Linsey Farnsworth, who brought the three councils in her Amber Valley constituency together to champion the area’s shared identity. By uniting, the towns aim to highlight a story of rebellion, industry, and community.
The UK Town of Culture competition, launched by the government in late 2025, offers a £3 million grand prize for the winning town to deliver a year-long cultural programme in 2028. This joint application weaves together the unique identities of all three towns into a single, compelling narrative showcasing a breadth of heritage and community spirit
Linsey Farnsworth, MP for Amber Valley, said:
"Our towns have a story that the whole country deserves to hear. We aren't just three separate towns on a map; we are a community built on a shared history of radical ideas and industrial heart.
“From the miners who stood together in 1893 to the families who built our textile and engineering industries, this bid is about celebrating who we are. I am so proud to see our councils standing together to put Amber Valley on the national stage."
Alan Abernethy, Mayor of Heanor & Loscoe Town Council, said: "Heanor & Loscoe Town Council is proud to be working in partnership with Alfreton Town Council and Ripley Town Council on our joint bid for Town of Culture. This collaboration reflects the shared heritage, creativity, and community spirit that define our towns.
“By coming together, we aim to celebrate our local identity, support artists and organisations, and create opportunities that bring residents and visitors together. We believe this bid represents a positive step forward for our area and will help our towns work more closely together in the years ahead."
Councillor Colin Bailey, Mayor of Ripley, said: “Ripley Town Council welcomes the opportunity to work alongside Heanor and Loscoe Town Council and Alfreton Town Council in submitting a joint Expression of Interest for the Town of Culture competition. We believe that working together puts us in a stronger position to get us through to the next stage, and ultimately a step closer towards helping revitalising our high streets as well as giving residents and visitors a programme of cultural events they can be truly proud of.”
Councillor Hannah Jowett-Frost, Mayor of Alfreton, said: “Alfreton Town Council is thrilled to join forces with Heanor and Ripley as we submit our expression of interest for the Town of Culture bid. Together, our shared heritage is powerful, and this is our moment to let it shine.
“Our strong communities and thriving local businesses are at the heart of this partnership, showcasing the pride and potential that define our towns.”
The competition winners are expected to be announced in early 2027. If successful, the investment would fund new arts venues, festivals, and workshops designed to bring high streets back to life and provide creative opportunities for residents across all three towns.
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