UK's Hidden Gems: Nominating Your Town of Culture
The UK is on the cusp of announcing its first-ever town of culture, a prestigious title that recognizes a community's rich cultural heritage and contributions to the nation. As the search for this esteemed award heats up, we want to hear from you – what's your choice of town that deserves this recognition?
Several Guardian writers have weighed in with their nominations so far, including Ramsgate in Kent, Falmouth in Cornwall, Abergavenny in Monmouthshire, and Portobello in Edinburgh. Each of these towns boasts a unique cultural identity that sets them apart from the rest.
But we want to hear from you too. What's your town that deserves to be recognized as a hub of culture? Is it a charming village with a rich history, or a bustling city teeming with artistic expression? Whatever your choice, we'd love to know why you think it should be considered for this prestigious title.
The Guardian is calling on the public to submit their suggestions using our online form. Don't let your town slip through the cracks – have your say and help shape the UK's cultural identity.
The UK is on the cusp of announcing its first-ever town of culture, a prestigious title that recognizes a community's rich cultural heritage and contributions to the nation. As the search for this esteemed award heats up, we want to hear from you – what's your choice of town that deserves this recognition?
Several Guardian writers have weighed in with their nominations so far, including Ramsgate in Kent, Falmouth in Cornwall, Abergavenny in Monmouthshire, and Portobello in Edinburgh. Each of these towns boasts a unique cultural identity that sets them apart from the rest.
But we want to hear from you too. What's your town that deserves to be recognized as a hub of culture? Is it a charming village with a rich history, or a bustling city teeming with artistic expression? Whatever your choice, we'd love to know why you think it should be considered for this prestigious title.
The Guardian is calling on the public to submit their suggestions using our online form. Don't let your town slip through the cracks – have your say and help shape the UK's cultural identity.
i mean dont get me wrong i love a good cultural scene but is it really necessary to give it an official title like "town of culture" it just sounds like a bunch of bureaucratic nonsense lol. on the other hand if we're gonna do it lets make it interesting - what if they created a whole festival or event around it every year? that way its not just some boring old plaque on the wall
! It's amazing how many hidden gems are scattered across the country, waiting to be celebrated. I've lived in Plymouth for years and I'm still amazed by its rich maritime history and vibrant arts scene 
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. Plus, its picturesque beaches and surfing spots make it an idyllic destination for families too 
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. It's always had that quiet beauty to it, even if it's not exactly the most vibrant place.
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. You know, the kind where everyone knows your name and the diner serves amazing pie. If I had to choose, I'd put in a nomination for somewhere like Abingdon, Virginia – it's just got that nostalgic, All-American charm that can't be beat 
they have an amazing festival every year and the food at the market is insane 
i mean sure it's not exactly a huge city but staines has got soul 
we've been through some tough times recently with the flooding and whatnot but our community has always come together to support each other 
so yeah, staines should def be considered for this award 
meanwhile, london's still struggling with homelessness & affordable housing 
and what's with these "hidden gems" that need recognition anyway? just more government money to throw around 
. They'll just end up catering to the masses and losing their authenticity. I mean, Ramsgate in Kent? That place is dead by nightfall, only tourists will bother visiting the old town center. And Falmouth in Cornwall? It's all about the beach and not much else. Abergavenny in Monmouthshire might have a quaint village feel but it's still just a small town with limited cultural options. Portobello in Edinburgh is probably the only one with any real artistic vibe, but even that's been gentrified to death. What's next? The Guardian just wants to sell more travel brochures 
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My gran used to take me there all the time and we'd get lost in the alleys finding hidden gems 
. I'm sure Bristol has so many more hidden cultural gems just waiting to be discovered! 
What do you think, should it get the award?
. For example, I've heard great things about the community-led arts scene in Bristol 
. That way, we can celebrate the diversity and creativity across the UK rather than just focusing on one place at a time 
. Don't get me wrong, it's awesome that they're recognizing the contributions of smaller towns, but are we just glossing over the fact that one half of the country is already pretty culture-rich?
! Have you ever been to Monmouthshire? It's so peaceful and the food is amazing 
! Portobello in Edinburgh is nice too, but I feel like it might be a bit crowded for a "hidden" gem 
. What's your fave UK town that you think deserves some culture recognition?
. Can we get some real hidden gems recognized for a change? Like, have you ever been to the Isle of Sheppey in Kent? It's like, totally underrated. They've got an amazing art scene and a thriving community of musicians. And what about the West Midlands? There are so many cool towns there that people always overlook. Birmingham has this amazing vibe with all its street art and live music venues. Let's give some love to these under-the-radar places instead of just going for the usual suspects