Corby folk invited to find out more about bid to be UK Town of Culture 2028 at two community events

People living in Corby are invited to come along and have their say on the area’s UK Town of Culture 2028 bid.

The organisers are aiming to put locals at the heart of their bid, which has to be with the organisers by the end of this month.

Two community events will be held for residents, businesses, creatives and community groups across Corby to learn more and share their ideas for the bid.

The first event, an open evening, will take place on Wednesday (November 11) from 5pm to 7pm, at the youth room at Kingswood Neighbourhood Centre in Alberta Close.

A second event, a community family day, will take place on Saturday (November 14), from 10am to 4pm, at the Corby UK Town of Culture 2028 community hub in Willow Place Shopping Centre, opposite Vision Express.

With Corby shortlisted for the prestigious UK Town of Culture 2028 title, both events will give people the opportunity to meet members of the bid team, ask questions, hear how the bid is progressing and discover how they can get involved.

The open evening on Wednesday will provide an opportunity for residents, creatives, businesses and community organisations to find out more about the bid, discuss the ideas being developed and share their own thoughts and aspirations for Corby's cultural future.

The community family day on Saturday will offer a more informal opportunity for people of all ages to get involved, with plans for family-friendly activities, creative engagement and opportunities to contribute ideas and artwork reflecting what Corby means to them.

Both events are open to everyone, whether they are hearing about the bid for the first time, have ideas for cultural activities and events, or simply want to find out more about the plans being developed.

Corby is competing for the chance to receive £3 million to deliver a six-month programme of cultural events and experiences in 2028, celebrating the town's heritage, creativity and communities while creating new opportunities for residents, businesses and local organisations.

The bid is being shaped by conversations with people across Corby, with local stories, memories, experiences and aspirations helping to inform the vision for 2028.

Cllr Simon Rielly, Leader of Corby Town Council, said "We're really looking forward to welcoming people along to the open evening and sharing more about how Corby's bid is progressing.

"There's been a huge amount of work happening behind the scenes, and this is a great opportunity for residents to hear about what we've been doing, ask questions and find out what becoming UK Town of Culture could mean for Corby.

"We want people to feel involved in this journey, and I'd encourage anyone who's interested to come along and have a chat with us.”

Cllr Mark Pengelly, Chair of Corby's UK Town of Culture 2028 Bid, added "One of the most important parts of this bid has been hearing from the people of Corby. We've already had some fantastic conversations with residents, community groups, businesses and organisations, and we're looking forward to hearing even more.

"These events are another opportunity for people to come together, share their thoughts and help shape what Corby's cultural future could look like."

Both events form part of the ongoing community engagement taking place across Corby, ensuring people from all backgrounds and generations have the opportunity to contribute ahead of the final bid submission deadline on 30th November 2026.

Those wishing to attend the open evening on Wednesday are encouraged to RSVP by emailing [email protected].

The community family day on Saturday 14th November is open for people to drop in throughout the day.

Anyone unable to attend either event can still get involved by emailing their ideas, questions, memories or suggestions to the same address.