Unlikely as it sounds, we believe that paradox made our Island coastal town a really strong candidate to be UK Town of Culture 2028. So we applied. And in July 2026 – to our huge delight and surprise – Sandown was chosen from almost 400 entrants across the country as one of only 15 finalists who’re now in the running to win the competition.
Over the coming weeks, we’re working on Sandown’s plans to stage a major arts and science festival in two years’ time. It’s an exciting chance to showcase the town’s extraordinary talent and potential…and win £3 million to help shape the future of the place where we live, work and play.
We call ourselves Sandown’s Tide Turners – and we’d love you to join us.
*in the style of Lewis Carroll an amalgamation of the words shabby and wonderful.
Story by Anmarie Bowler inspired by the Sandown Town of Culture WhatsApp Group
The government launched the first ever UK Town of Culture competition in October 2025.
Announced by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, the competition gives communities across the country a platform to tell their unique story and spotlights the vital role towns play in our national life.
Towns will be judged on three main criteria:
the unique story of the town
how the town will design a cultural programme for all
how the town will then deliver a successful programme
An independent expert advisory panel chaired by Sir Phil Redmond will assess all shortlisted towns.
All the shortlisted towns will submit their bids by November 30th and then the winner will be announced in spring 2027.
