Guildford bids for UK Town of Culture 2028 crown
A thousand years of cultural significance
Guildford is making a compelling case for why it deserves to be crowned the UK’s first Town of Culture in 2028. The town’s bid, submitted this month to Government-appointed judges, celebrates what the council describes as extraordinary cultural wealth spanning more than a millennium.
Walking through our town centre, that heritage is tangible. The Norman Castle, constructed in the 12th century, stands as a physical reminder of Guildford’s medieval importance. But perhaps more striking is the Medieval Synagogue, hidden beneath the High Street—believed to be one of Europe’s oldest, yet only rediscovered in 1995. These aren’t just tourist attractions; they’re evidence that Guildford has been a place where people have gathered, built communities, and created culture for generations.
The town also holds connections to some of history’s most influential figures. Lewis Carroll penned Alice Through the Looking Glass here. Ada Lovelace, often credited as the world’s first computer programmer, worked in Guildford. Even Alan Turing, the wartime code-breaker, called our town home. These aren’t random facts—they tell a story of Guildford as a place that has nurtured innovation, creativity, and intellectual achievement across centuries. That’s a foundation worth celebrating.
Why local businesses and builders believe in Guildford’s future
Beyond heritage sites, what makes Guildford genuinely unique is how our town has adapted and thrived in the modern era. The University of Surrey brings cutting-edge research and young talent into our community daily. But the real game-changer is our reputation as the ‘Hollywood of video games’—and locals know exactly what that means for our economy and identity.
With around 30 gaming companies operating here—including global giants like Electronic Arts and Epic Games—Guildford has become one of the world’s most significant video game development hubs. This isn’t abstract; it translates directly to local employment, skilled professionals moving to our area, and investment in infrastructure. Local builders and developers, from Guilford builders tackling residential projects to those undertaking loft conversion and loft rebuilding work, have benefited from increased demand as our population grows and our town modernises.
The council’s bid positions Guildford as a ‘fulcrum’ connecting heritage, education, art, and technology. That’s not marketing speak—it’s a genuine reflection of where economic opportunity meets cultural identity. The £3 million prize attached to winning the award would accelerate projects already underway, supporting both established businesses and emerging local enterprises looking to make their mark in our thriving community.
What comes next: Discovery Centre, events, and how you can get involved
The council’s vision for 2028 isn’t just about winning an award—it’s about creating a lasting legacy for residents and visitors. Central to the bid is the launch of a new Puzzle and Play Discovery Centre, celebrating Guildford’s heritage as a place of invention and problem-solving. Alongside this, the town-wide ‘Guildford Quest’ interactive exploration project will invite people of all ages to engage with our cultural landscape in creative, playful ways.
What matters most to us as residents is understanding how this affects our daily lives. The shortlisting announcement is expected in the coming months, and if Guildford progresses to the final stages, we’ll likely see increased cultural programming, community events, and investment in town centre spaces. The ambition is to link young and old, town centre and rural villages, and connect Guildford with audiences far beyond Surrey.
For now, the key is awareness and community engagement. Keep an eye on announcements from Guildford Borough Council regarding how residents can support the bid. Whether you work in the creative industries, run a local business, or simply want to see our town celebrated nationally, there will be opportunities to participate. The next stage of the competition will reveal whether our extraordinary cultural wealth—ancient and modern combined—proves compelling enough for Government judges to award Guildford the nation’s first Town of Culture crown.
Source: All the reasons Guildford should win UK Town of Culture award
