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The bid is one of 15 towns from across the UK to be selected for the next stage of the process following 398 bids submitted from across the country.

The new UK Town of Culture programme, launched by the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport, sits alongside the more established City of Culture competition. The winning town will receive up to £3 million to deliver a six-month cultural programme in 2028.

Being shortlisted means Neath Port Talbot Council will now receive £60,000 to help develop a full bid, working with local communities, creative organisations, businesses and partners to shape the area’s case for becoming UK Town of Culture 2028.

The proposed bid aims to tell the story of Port Talbot and the Afan Valley, an area with a powerful industrial heritage, a nationally recognised creative legacy and a strong community arts and culture scene.

It also comes at a time of significant change for the area, with the bid offering an opportunity to celebrate local pride, creativity and resilience, while helping to build a positive future narrative for Port Talbot, the Afan Valley and the wider Neath Port Talbot area.

Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said: “This is fantastic news for Port Talbot, the Afan Valley and the whole of Neath Port Talbot.

“To be shortlisted from hundreds of applications across the UK is a significant achievement and shows the strength of the story this area has to tell.

“This next stage will be shaped by local people, artists, community groups, cultural organisations and partners. The strongest bid will be one that reflects the pride, creativity and ambition of the communities it represents.

“We are delighted to have reached this stage and look forward to working with residents and partners to develop a bid that does justice to this remarkable place.”

Councillor Steve Hunt, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said: “Being shortlisted for the first ever UK Town of Culture competition is a major achievement and a real opportunity to shine a spotlight on the people, places, creativity and community spirit that make this area so special.

“This bid is about more than a title. It is about celebrating who we are, recognising the strength and resilience of our communities, and creating new opportunities for culture, creativity and local pride to flourish.

“We now want everyone to get behind the bid and help us show why Port Talbot and the Afan Valley deserve to be named UK Town of Culture 2028.”

The UK Town of Culture competition is assessed against three themes: Your Story, Culture for Everyone and Making It Happen.

While the bid is focused on Port Talbot and the Afan Valley, the Council hopes the process will bring benefits across the county borough by raising the profile of Neath Port Talbot’s cultural offer, supporting local pride and encouraging more people to get involved in arts, heritage and cultural activity.