Woodley to be submitted for UK Town of Culture

Wokingham Borough Council is preparing to submit Woodley as its entry to the Government’s first-ever UK Town of Culture competition.

The national scheme, run by the department for culture, media and sport, invites towns to show how culture can bring people together, increase opportunity and support regeneration. 

The winning town will receive £3 million to deliver a six-month programme of cultural events and activities in 2028. Two runners-up will each receive £250,000 and shortlisted towns will receive £60,000 to develop detailed proposals.

Woodley’s expression of interest will highlight what makes the town special - from its rich aviation history as the former home to Woodley Aerodrome, post-war reinvention to its diverse community spirit today.

Help shape the bid

Local community groups, businesses, schools and creatives in Woodley are now being encouraged to get in touch if they would like to help shape the bid that must be submitted by 31 March.

Cllr Mark Ashwell, executive member for economic development, sport, leisure and arts, said: “Woodley has a rich and fascinating history, but it’s also a forward-looking town with a growing cultural identity and a real appetite for bringing people together.

“The sense of community in Woodley is already very strong and this competition could help us go further - creating even more opportunities for residents and visitors, supporting local groups and businesses and shining a spotlight on everything that makes the town special.”

The bid will set out a partnership-led approach. If Woodley is shortlisted, the council will work with local groups, schools, creatives and volunteers to shape a full cultural programme ahead of the final application stage in autumn 2026. 

The bid also supports the aims of the borough’s Communities Vision, which focuses on strengthening community connections, opportunity and pride in place across Wokingham Borough.