What is the Isle of Culture?

Imagine a year when the whole of Thanet comes alive with culture - when Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Birchington, Westgate and our villages become a connected island of creativity, celebration and transformation. That's the Isle of Culture.

Read about how the residents survey has shaped our initial bid

We have an incredible opportunity to bid for UK City of Culture 2029. This isn't just for cities - it's for places like ours with a story to tell and a future to shape.

The prize? £10 million from the Government.

The real reward? A year-long cultural programme that could transform Thanet. Previous winners (Bradford, Coventry, Hull and Derry) have used their year to attract millions in investment, create jobs, bring communities together, and put their place on the map.

This competition is about using culture and creativity as a catalyst - to improve wellbeing, build civic pride, unite communities, welcome more visitors, and energise our local economy. It's about what Thanet could become.

Image: Margate Pride is a community-led celebration

What is meant by culture?

Culture is everything that makes a place vibrant and alive.

The Government's definition includes visual arts, literature, music, theatre, dance, architecture, crafts, design, heritage, museums, libraries, film, broadcasting, video games, animation, photography, and publishing - plus our historic and natural environment.

But we think culture is more than that.

Here on the Isle of Thanet, culture means our stunning coastline and outdoor adventures. It's our gardens and green spaces. It's the incredible food, drink and hospitality that brings people together. It's sport and wellness. It's the stories we tell and the connections we make.

Image: Broadstairs Folk Week

How will the decision be made?

February 8th 2026: We submitted our initial Expression of Interest informed by over 750 resident responses to our survey, consultation meetings and existing research, and the feedback of our 25 local peer reviewers. You can read more about how the survey shaped the EOI here.

Now we wait - Spring 2026: Applications are assessed and a longlist is announced. Longlisted places get £60,000 to develop full proposals.

Summer/Autumn 2026: Full proposals are submitted and assessed. A shortlist is drawn up.

Late 2026: The panel visits shortlisted places to see them in action. Winners announced by the end of 2026.

2029: The winning place becomes UK City of Culture for a whole year of extraordinary programming.

This is a competitive process - but it's one we believe Thanet can win. With your help, we can show the panel what makes our almost-island special.

Image: Ramsgate New Years Day Swim

How can I get involved?

Right now - Shape our bid: We’ve submitted our initial Expression of Interest but if we are longlisted we only have a few months to develop our full bid. We still want to hear from residents so fill out survey. Your voice matters.

Stay connected: Follow us on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and new ways to take part as the bid develops.

Get your local group, institution or community organisation involved: We can support you to gather collective feedback and share insights with us.

Questions? Ideas? Contact us at info@isleofculture.org - we want to hear from you.