Sandown’s bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture has gathered fresh momentum, with organisers set to celebrate the town’s place on the national shortlist during this weekend’s Main Carnival.
As reported by Island Echo earlier this month, Sandown was confirmed as one of 15 finalists from nearly 400 entries in the race to become UK Town of Culture 2028, securing a £60,000 development grant to help strengthen its bid. The seaside town is the only representative from the south coast of England and 1 of only 2 finalists south of London.
The latest milestone follows months of work on the community-led ‘Tide Turners’ campaign, which aims to use culture as a catalyst for regenerating the town by embracing both its heritage and the challenges it has faced over recent decades.
The bid team will proudly carry its Tide Turners banner during Sandown’s Main Carnival procession, which begins at 19:00 on Saturday. The event is one of the oldest summer carnivals in the country, with a tradition dating back to 1889.
The overall winner of the inaugural UK Town of Culture competition, due to be announced in early 2027, will receive £3million to deliver a year-long cultural programme in 2028. Two runners-up will each receive £250,000.
Tracy Mikich, Bid Co-ordinator, has said:
“The place is buzzing after the news that we’re in the final stages of the competition. Sandown’s carnival parades are always a showcase for the whole Island’s creativity and talent and that’s reflected in our plans for 2028.
“Our task now is to work closely with our partners and community to firm up all our ideas for the final programme.
Article continues below this advertisement “By blending our rich heritage and biosphere science with new arts and wellbeing initiatives, we’re co-creating a blueprint to turn the tide for Sandown. Ultimately, this is about driving year-round regeneration that lifts the town and its economy.”
The proposals that impressed judges, led by television producer Sir Phil Redmond, include a Tide Turner Festival combining arts and science, a community eco-installation known as ‘The Tangled Bank’ on the derelict Ocean Hotel site where Charles Darwin began writing On the Origin of Species, a marine sculpture by internationally renowned artist Jason de Caires Taylor and the creation of ‘The School of Sandown’ in partnership with the University of Southampton.
Sandown Mayor Alex Lightfoot has said:
“Getting to the final stages of the competition is a huge achievement for the whole community. And to be the only representative, not just of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight but most of the south of England, is an incredible honour.
“Our bid has been forged by the community and we believe it’s strong. Now, we’re determined to make sure our plans do justice to our town and the massive region we represent in the competition.”
