A town which is built built on innovation, philanthropy and play has set out its vision for a transformative cultural future.
Kettering Town Council has officially submitted its Expression of Interest for UK Town of Culture 2028, unveiling a bold, community‑driven programme that celebrates the town’s heritage of firsts and its spirit of ambition.
From Charles Wicksteed’s creation of the UK’s first public leisure park, to SATRA’s design of Sir Edmund Hillary’s Everest‑conquering boots, to the pioneering students who identified a secret Russian Cosmodrome in 1966, Kettering has long been a place where curiosity meets innovation.
This proud past underpins Kettering’s bid, which is shaped around four key themes: Philanthropy, Play, Aiming High, and On a Mission. Together, they form a year‑long cultural celebration designed to raise aspirations, connect communities and spotlight the town’s creativity.
The bid has been developed through consultation with residents, schools, cultural organisations, grassroots creatives and businesses. A dedicated working group from the Kettering Cultural Consortium, including Cornerstone, Kettering Arts Centre, Lighthouse Theatre, Love Kettering, Kettering Civic Society, The Yards, Wicksteed Park and more, has shaped a shared vision grounded in collaboration and inclusivity.
Recent engagement includes a public Town Meeting, workshops, listening sessions, and youth input gathered through Kettering Town Council’s Youth Survey. Residents voiced strong support for using Town of Culture status to drive opportunity, celebrate identity and improve the visibility of local cultural assets.
Emma Dezelu, Town Clerk at Kettering Town Council which is leading the bid, said: “Our bid for UK Town of Culture 2028 reflects the pride, creativity and ambition that define Kettering. This is not a programme being designed for the community from the outside in, it is being built with our community, shaped by their ideas, their energy and their belief in what Kettering can achieve. We want every resident to feel ownership of this journey.
“Town of Culture is an opportunity to celebrate who we are, showcase our talent to the nation, and create lasting opportunities for our young people, our families and our neighbourhoods. We are aiming high, because Kettering always has.”
If successful, Kettering Town of Culture 2028 could deliver:
-A large‑scale multi‑arts immersive spectacle, co‑created by local people and creative industry partners.
-Underused historic buildings transformed into creative hubs, animating the town with performances, installations and heritage‑inspired trails.
-An Arts Bus roadshow bringing culture directly into estates, green spaces and neighbourhoods, alongside broadcasting opportunities via Northants 1 Community Radio.
-Youth‑focused creative pathways including work experience, technical training, and a town‑centre incubator hub in partnership with Tresham College.
-Outdoor arts and sports fusion, including co‑designed workshops and a creative basketball half‑court inspired by youth culture.
-New programmes such as a Writers’ Lab, Technical Academy and a “Working Title” new‑work showcase at The Lighthouse Theatre.
-Expanded festivals and events, including Kettfest, film trails, music in libraries, live arts in the gallery, comedy in Wicksteed Park and more.