The historic town of Prescot in Knowsley is submitting a bid to be crowned the UK’s Town of Culture in 2028.
The Town of Culture competition is open to towns across the UK, providing an opportunity for places and communities to use culture and creativity to tell their story and why they are proud of their community. The winning town will receive £3 million to deliver a cultural programme in summer 2028.
Prescot has a truly unique and compelling story to tell – one which combines a long and fascinating history with a modern success story. The town’s Elizabethan connections and Shakespearean heritage led to the creation of the nationally acclaimed Shakespeare North Playhouse. Today, the theatre stands at the centre of a revitalised town, with renewed civic pride, and demonstrating how culture has acted as a catalyst for change.
In recent years, the town has undergone a huge transformation, thanks to Knowsley Council’s ambitious plans to transform it into a thriving destination with a rich cultural offer and a successful evening economy.
As a result, Prescot is now bustling with a whole range of vibrant independent cafes, bars and restaurants, new businesses, local community groups and creative workspaces.
Prescot is known around the world for its famous Safari Park, and the grand 15th century Knowsley Hall, the ancestral home of the Earls of Derby. And since 2022, it is also home to the landmark and award-winning cultural venue, Shakespeare North Playhouse, which now attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Knowsley has a proven track record of delivering engaging and exciting cultural programmes. During its year as Borough of Culture in 2022, Knowsley hosted more than 60 events attracting more than half a million visitors to the borough and showcasing it to millions more through local regional and national news.
Millions of memories were made by the people within and beyond Knowsley during that year, and that legacy continues today with Knowsley’s ongoing cultural programme.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council commented:
“Prescot is such a special place – it has a wonderful and unique history and is at the heart of our cultural ambition for the borough. We’re really excited to develop this opportunity for Prescot to be crowned the Town of Culture, we know the positive power of cultural engagement, and this aligns perfectly with our ambition for the future of culture in Knowsley.”
Lisa Allen, CEO and Creative Director at Shakespeare North Playhouse, added:
“Community sits at the heart of everything we do. Prescot’s story is not just about heritage or buildings, it’s about the people, partnerships and creativity that bring this town to life every day. Through our diverse programme, workshops, outreach programmes and opportunities for local voices to be heard on and off stage, we’ve seen first-hand how culture can connect, inspire and empower. Prescot’s bid for Town of Culture 2028 is about celebrating that shared spirit and ensuring our communities continue to shape and benefit from Knowsley’s cultural future.”
Lord Derby, 19th Earl of Derby, also pledged his support:
“Prescot is enjoying a cultural resurgence centred around the amazing, award winning, Shakespeare North Playhouse, leading to an increased interest in the town with new outlets adding to the cluster. It is fabulous to celebrate Shakespeare’s historic presence in Knowsley, and the Playhouse has now welcomed around 400,000 visitors.”
About the Town of Culture 2028
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has launched a landmark initiative: the UK Town of Culture competition, designed to celebrate the unique contribution of small and medium-sized towns to the national story.
The winning town will receive £3 million to deliver a cultural programme in summer 2028. Additionally, the two finalists from their category will receive £250,000 each to deliver elements of their bid.
The UK Town of Culture is an opportunity for places and communities to use culture and creativity to tell their story and why they are proud of their community.
Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 31 March2026. Shortlisted places will be announced in Spring 2026 and the finalists and winner will be announced early 2027.
