Cookie preferences
Toggle menu

Election results

Local government in Surrey is changing, from 1 April 2027, Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council will be replaced by a new unitary authority called West Surrey Council.

Visit our election pages for the results of the council elections held on 7 May.

Guildford bids to become UK's first Town of Culture 2028

View of Guildford High Street

Guildford has submitted its bid to become the UK's first ever Town of Culture 2028, with plans to turn the town into a year-long celebration of playful culture, creativity and discovery.  

Hoping to put its unique mix of ancient heritage and world‑leading creativity on the national stage, Guildford Borough Council led on the Expression of Interest that has been developed in partnership with cultural organisations across the town. The vision is built around making Guildford the UK's first "town of playful culture", connecting communities through creativity, participation and discovery.  

Ideas within the bid include "The Guildford Quest", a town-wide interactive experience developed with Guildford's world-leading games industry. This would sit alongside cultural pop-ups across parks, libraries and heritage spaces, a large-scale community play involving residents, and a new Puzzle and Play Discovery Centre celebrating Guildford's history of invention, imagination and problem solving.  

Shortlisting for the next stage of the competition is expected to be announced by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport before Summer 2026.   

Cllr Vanessa King, Deputy Leader and Lead Councillor for Economy and Place, Guildford Borough Council, said: 

"Guildford has a powerful cultural story that brings past and future together with a playful, creative energy. It's rooted in ancient heritage and shaped by global influences in literature, technology and games. This bid marks the start of telling that story in new and bolder ways. 

"Culture already runs through everyday life here, but not everyone has always had the chance to experience or feel part of it. Bidding to become the UK's first Town of Culture gives us the opportunity to open up those stories, connect communities and celebrate our people, local talent and creative minds that make our town so special today. 

"The support of our local partners, who already do so much for culture in our town, has been vital. If shortlisted, we'll invite even more people of all ages and backgrounds to help shape this shared journey. Together, we have the chance to create a lasting cultural legacy that we can all feel proud of long after 2028." 

Hear from our cultural partners backing our bid:

Amanda Masters, CEO, Experience Guildford Business Improvement District, said:

"We are pleased and proud to be part of this process. We recognise the significant cultural potential this remarkable town has to offer both residents and visitors. This opportunity will enable us to expand and highlight the diversity of Guildford's cultural offering."

Prof. Patricia Pulham (Head of the School of Arts, Humanities and Creative Industries), University of Surrey, said: 

"The School of Arts, Humanities and Creative Industries (SAHCI) at the University of Surrey is delighted to collaborate with Guildford Borough Council in its bid to make Guildford the UK Town of Culture. SAHCI's disciplinary departments - the Guildford School of Acting, Music and Media, and Literature and Languages - have highly successful, long- established relationships with Guildford art venues, like the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and the Guildford Institute, and contribute regularly to annual events such as the Guildford Book Festival and the nationwide Being Human Festival.  Together we aim to showcase Guildford's longstanding contributions to the Arts and build its creative future to benefit its communities and promote Guildford as a cultural destination." 

Christina Horsepool, Venue Director, G Live, said: 

"G Live is delighted to support Guildford's bid for UK Town of Culture. Rich in creativity and history, the town is full of cultural energy, and this bid offers an exciting opportunity for communities, artists, and partners to come together, collaborate and make culture accessible to everyone, and we're excited to play out part in this ambition." 

Joanna Read, Director and Chief Executive, The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, said: 

"Everyone at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre is delighted to support this bid. The theatre has been making and presenting fantastic entertainment in the town for almost 61 years, shining a light on creativity and engaging audiences. We benefit enormously from the strength and success of local cultural partnerships. If this bid is successful, it will mean even bigger, more exciting and long-lasting opportunities for everyone in the town." 

Charlie Cluff, Guildford Festival of the Arts, said: 

"It's a privilege to be part of Guildford's Town of Culture bid and to contribute through the Guildford Festival of the Arts. Guildford not only has a vibrant cultural community, but also a real need and opportunity to grow." 

Lauran Carter, Communications Director at Liquid Crimson, guildford.games', said: 

"Guildford has one of the most remarkable creative stories in the UK, but it's one we rarely shout about. This bid is about changing that - bringing together our heritage, our creative industries and our community to celebrate what makes this town special. From globally influential games to grassroots cultural events, Guildford has quietly shaped modern culture for decades. Being awarded UK Town of Culture would give us the opportunity to tell that story properly, and to do it together."