Whitby bids for £3m Town of Culture prize — here's how you can have your say

All over the country people are getting together to shout about how wonderful their town is, and Whitby is no exception.

All you have to do is take a moment to stand in Whitby harbour and 13 Centuries unfold before you.

From the ruins of Whitby Abbey to working cobles and the 199 Steps, Whitby is a place where heritage grows through the cracks, spreading the seeds of its wonderful stories into the hearts and minds of everyone who passes through.

This is the town’s chance to tell the world about Whitby in a celebration of culture.

A brand-new Whitby Town of Culture Partnership is coming together to bid for £3m in funding to create community-led cultural events across Whitby and its surrounding villages.

Clair Stones of the Captain Cook Museum and Rebecca Denniff of Flash Company Arts CIC are working together to create the bid.

They said: “People from all over the world flock to Whitby for all of the wonderful events that happen here, and this is our opportunity to show that with some urgently-needed investment in our brilliant creative and cultural sector.

"Our local makers and creators can be a part of a programme of events that has the capacity to reach national and international audiences.

"This will mean that we can develop local skills and infrastructure to support our brilliant town for the long-term.

"We all know that people who engage with arts and culture regularly report better wellbeing and a stronger sense of belonging to where they live.

“Culture isn’t a luxury, it’s what makes a place feel like home.”

The expression of interest deadline is March 31.

A shortlist follows in spring, with the winner named in early 2027.

What happens in 2028 depends on what the town says – it depends on the strength of Whitby’s community voice right now.

A drop-in event takes place on Thursday March 5, 6pm to 8pm at The Royal Hotel (Quiet Lounge).

Have your say, fill in a survey.