A Warwickshire community has set its sights on securing the Town of Culture title for 2028.

The historic market settlement of Atherstone has formally declared its participation in the Town of Culture 2028 contest.

Atherstone Partnership Chair Laura Donnelly expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, describing it as an excellent chance to highlight the town. She noted that the community possesses a remarkable narrative and that the application would honour its past while fostering artistic expression, new ideas, and civic appreciation.

The UK Town of Culture initiative is a nationwide scheme that celebrates settlements demonstrating a rich cultural character and forward-thinking proposals for arts, history and community engagement.

The selected community obtains financial support and nationwide attention to stage a twelve-month schedule of cultural happenings, which aids tourism growth, assists neighbourhood enterprises and enhances local identity.

Atherstone stands along the historic Roman thoroughfare Watling Street, an important corridor across Britain for almost two millennia. Roman legions marched along this route during the period of Boudica’s uprising, and in 1485 it is thought that King Richard III rested in Atherstone before the Battle of Bosworth conflict.

The town boasts an extensive tradition of cultural festivities and is famous for its yearly Shrove Tuesday Ball Game, a practice dating back hundreds of years that continues attracting visitors from throughout the area.

Should the bid prove successful, Atherstone would present a twelve-month calendar of celebrations, displays, shows and communal events in 2028, establishing the town as a cultural destination in the region.

A Town of Culture Survey can be found on the Visit Atherstone website, allowing locals to share what the town signifies to them, which will support the competition entry.