UK Town of Culture Competition

Published: 02 July 2026

Knaresborough could be the UK Town of Culture 2028!

To celebrate our town’s incredible culture, creativity, and heritage, we’ve submitted a digital postcard to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). You can now explore our entry — along with submissions from towns across the country — on the UK Town of Culture Digital Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Su-761mY3NPLpd4d948m5ppY7R-bslw&usp=sharing

The request for a postcard from Knaresborough to support our bid for the UK Town of Culture 2028 competition arrived at the perfect moment: just as the town was buzzing from the success of this year’s Great Knaresborough Bed Race, the much‑loved spectacle that brings thousands of visitors and captures the quirky, joyful spirit that defines our community.

Local photographer Charlotte Gale stepped forward, offering her creative talent and extensive archive of Knaresborough imagery to design a postcard that truly reflects the town’s character. Featuring a vibrant mix of cultural highlights, heritage landmarks and community celebrations, the postcard captures the eclectic charm that makes Knaresborough unique. The imagery brings together the colour, creativity and character of the town, offering a snapshot of why Knaresborough stands out as a genuine contender for the UK Town of Culture prize.

From today, Thursday 2 July, you’ll find it on the official UK Town of Culture digital map, alongside postcards from towns right across the UK.

Today is a nationwide day of celebration for every town taking part, and we’d love you to join in:

Keep an eye out for our postcard and give it a share.

Search #UKTownofCulture to see towns from every corner of the UK.

Tag a friend who loves this town as much as you do.

Please share our Knaresborough digital postcard - let’s show the UK what makes Knaresborough so special!

Photo credit: Charlotte Gale Photography (@charlottegalephotography)

Kingfisher artwork: Sam Porter (@muralminded)