Chesham Town Council has unveiled plans for a new Cultural Plan and announced a bid to become the UK’s Town of Culture 2028, inviting the community to help shape the town’s creative future.
The announcement follows five months of work carried out in partnership with Bucks Culture, Buckinghamshire Regeneration, and a wide range of local creatives, businesses, and stakeholders. The Cultural Plan is described as an ambitious initiative aimed at celebrating Chesham’s creativity, strengthening its cultural identity, and supporting a vibrant and sustainable future for both residents and visitors.
As part of this process, the Council will submit a bid to the Department for Culture, Media & Sport’s national Town of Culture programme, which recognises towns that demonstrate a strong commitment to culture-led regeneration and community engagement.
This competition, announced by the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy in October 2025, provides a platform for communities across the country to tell their own unique story and shines a spotlight on the vital role towns play in our national life.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:
"There is so much for us to be proud of in the town's we're from - from the rich, local history to unique festivals and celebrations. They have shaped our national story for decades. Now it's time they take centre stage and showcase the unique stories they have to tell.
We have seen the transformative power of culture through the UK City of Culture competition. I want to make sure that towns have the same opportunity to make a real difference to their local community and show the world exactly why their town is so special".
Over the coming weeks and months, Chesham Town Council will invite residents, businesses, community organisations, and local partners to take part in shaping both the Cultural Plan and the Town of Culture bid. Community input will play a central role, with local ideas, lived experiences, and aspirations helping to define what culture means in Chesham and how it can be supported and developed in the years ahead.
The Council has said further communications will be issued soon, outlining how people can get involved, share their views, and contribute to what it describes as an exciting, town-wide effort to put culture at the heart of Chesham’s future.
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