Pocklington Culture Bid 2028

12/06/2026

We're deeply saddened to hear of the passing of David Hockney.

Few artists have captured the beauty, character and changing seasons of the Yorkshire Wolds as vividly as David Hockney. Through his bold colours and unique perspective, he helped audiences around the world see the landscapes on our doorstep with fresh eyes.

As Pocklington's Town of Culture bid celebrates our theme, Gateway to the Wolds, we recognise the profound influence David Hockney's work has had in showcasing this remarkable landscape.

His art reminds us that the Wolds are not just a place to pass through, but a place to pause, explore and be inspired.

08/06/2026

Today we're promoting Fairtrade Pocklington

Did you know it’s the Great Big Green Week, when thousands of people throughout the country take action for their communities, for nature and for the climate?
Fairtrade Pocklington are focusing on the devastating effects of climate change on small-scale producers of every-day products like tea, coffee, cocoa, bananas etc. Fair Trade gives support and training to farmers to help them combat the effects of climate change. Without this help many farmers would go out of business. Look out for their banana at market day tomorrow (weather permitting) and pick up a Fairtrade Provider leaflet which tells you where to find fairtrade products in Pocklington.
When you shop, look out for the Fairtrade symbol.

NB They're also having a fairtrade stall at All Saints’ coffee morning tomorrow (Tuesday 9th) 10-11.30.

07/06/2026

A huge thank you to The Wolds Magazine for featuring an article on Pocklington's journey as the UK's Town of Culture.

We're delighted to see the story shared with readers across the region, celebrating the people, creativity and community spirit that make Pocklington such a special place.

Keep an eye out for the latest edition arriving through residents' doors this weekend!

04/06/2026

01/06/2026

📣 UK Town of Culture 2028 Update

We wanted to share an update on our bid for UK Town of Culture 2028.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has confirmed that, due to the exceptional number of applications received from towns across the UK, the expert advisory panel requires additional time to assess all submissions.

As a result, the shortlist announcement, originally expected this spring, will now be made by the end of July.

We're incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, creativity and community spirit that went into our expression of interest, and we'd like to thank everyone who has supported the bid so far.

We'll keep you updated as soon as we hear more. 🤞

27/05/2026

Tomorrow (28th May 2026) marks our inaugural steering group meeting!

As we wait to hear the outcome of our UK Town of Culture application, we're keeping the ball rolling. We're committed to improving access to culture for all in Pocklington and we need your support to do it.

Tomorrow, representatives from sport, culture, heritage, the environment and more will meet to discuss our hopes for the future of culture across the town.

Want to find out more?

📧 Email: [email protected]

07/05/2026

How exciting is this!
Another great festival coming to Pocklington

07/05/2026

What's happening next?

CULTURE BID ORGANISERS LAUNCH NEW STEERING GROUP

Bid organisers are pressing ahead with plans to strengthen Pocklington's cultural offer as the town awaits news on whether its bid for UK Town of Culture 2028 will progress to the next stage.

Organisers Andy Bowden and Roly Cronshaw say the enthusiasm generated during the bid process has been “fantastic” and that, whatever the outcome, they are determined to maintain the momentum by building a coordinated, long‑term approach to culture in all its forms.

As set out in the bid, a new Cultural Steering Group is being created to bring together key themes and oversee a programme of initiatives designed to widen access to culture for residents.

The themes identified are:
Sport
Arts and Culture
Heritage
Environment
Social, Community and Business
Young People

To support this structure, a working group is being established for each theme. These groups will bring together organisations, volunteers, and stakeholders from across the town to share ideas, identify opportunities, and outline what support is needed. Each group will nominate a representative to sit on the main steering group and present their discussions.

The working groups are expected to meet quarterly, with representatives feeding into the wider steering group on the same cycle.

Organisers say the collaborative spirit shown throughout the Town of Culture campaign has been one of its strongest features, and the new structure is designed to “take the process to the next stage”.
Local organisations and interested residents have been invited to attend the inaugural session on 28 May where the proposed structure will be reviewed and shared ambitions discussed.

For further information please contact [email protected]