Sandown bids to become UK Town of Culture 2028

Summarised from BBC Hampshire's report · Updated 14 Oct, 08:44 · Archive

The Isle of Wight seaside resort is among 15 finalists competing for the UK Town of Culture 2028 prize worth £3m.

Sandown on the Isle of Wight has been selected as one of 15 finalists competing for the UK Town of Culture 2028 title, chosen from nearly 400 hopefuls across the country. The competition offers the winning town £3m to stage a showcase of cultural events, with two runners-up each receiving £250,000.

The seaside resort has experienced years of decline, with derelict hotels lining the seafront and the town becoming a target for vandalism. Local residents believe winning the competition could provide the impetus for regeneration. Ed Evans, who runs a glass-making business his father established in Sandown 30 years ago, said the win would encourage public works improvements. He described how the town can look attractive on good summer days but falls into a sense of dereliction during winter months when fewer visitors arrive and shuttered buildings become more visible.

Read the report

• Community hopes Town of Culture will bring changeSandown was chosen in July as one of 15 finalists from nearly 400 hopefuls across the country.BBC Hampshire · 14 Oct, 06:08

In this story: Sandown · Isle of Wight · Ed Evans

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