Sandown’s bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028 has received a boost after a community gathering sold out days in advance and social media posts promoting the campaign attracted half a million views in just 8 weeks.
The town, which is one of 15 finalists competing for the national title, must submit its final bid by Monday (30th November).
Last week’s Sandown Kinship Gathering, held at Graft Studios in the Old Town Hall, gave residents an opportunity to learn more about the campaign, share their views on plans for 2028 and enjoy an evening of entertainment.
All tickets for the free event were snapped up days beforehand, with organisers describing the gathering as an outstanding success.
The evening featured an unusual take on the town from the cast of Radio Free Sandown, alongside poetry readings and the opening of 2 photographic exhibitions showcasing work by Simon Avery and Zoe Barker.
There was also the launch of Sandown Trove: Portrait of a Town 2026, a new publication by Tracy Mikich and cultural collaborators, supported by Arts Council England and Creative Island.
Meanwhile, the campaign has been gaining significant attention online.
Posts by Sandown Tide Turners attracted half a million views during the 8 weeks leading up to Monday (2nd November), highlighting growing interest in the town’s cultural ambitions.
With just 3 weeks remaining until the submission deadline, the bid team is hoping to build on that momentum and encourage even more residents to get behind Sandown’s campaign.
Paul Coueslant, of the Town of Culture bid team, has said:
“With just three weeks left to finalise the bid, our aim has been to build momentum and support for Sandown and we want the whole town to be part of the journey.
“The event at Graft Studios was an outstanding success, with so many entertained and enthusiastically involved in the bid process.
“Soon, the outcome for Sandown will be in the hands of the Town of Culture judging panel and, whatever happens, we’re bowled over that people have come together around this amazing opportunity for the town.”
Sandown’s final submission will be considered by the Town of Culture judging panel as the town continues its bid to secure the 2028 title.
