More than 70 community organisations, cultural groups and businesses from across Thanet have come together to submit a community-led Expression of Interest to become the UK City of Culture 2029.
The bid, titled Isle of Culture, brings together partners from across the isle, choosing to collaborate rather than compete town-by-town.
The initiative was put into action by Dame Tracey Emin and East Thanet MP Polly Billington, following the Government’s announcement of the City of Culture 2029 competition.
What began with an initial meeting of around 20 organisations in January has rapidly grown into a coalition of more than 70 supporters, spanning culture, heritage, transport, education, community development and local business.
Unlike many previous City of Culture bids, Isle of Culture is not council-led. It is being developed by community organisations and residents, with the support of Thanet District Council and Kent County Council.
The UK City of Culture competition is held every four years and the winner receives £10 million to deliver a year-long cultural programme. It is open to cities, towns, regions and groups of places.
The draft Expression of Interest sets out a vision for culture as a driver of social connection, economic opportunity, wellbeing and pride, building on Thanet’s existing strengths while addressing long-standing challenges.
To make sure the bid reflects what matters most to residents, organisers launched a public survey inviting anyone with a connection to Thanet to share their ideas.
Organisers say the aim is to hear from as many people as possible, with more than 700 responses received so far; making this one of the most widely participated community surveys in Thanet in recent years.
The survey will remain open once the expression of interest has been submitted and the bid team wait to hear if they have been successful to make the long-list.
Dame Tracey said: “Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate and all the surrounding villages make up the Isle of Thanet, in the last 20 years the Isle of Thanet has excelled in contemporary culture.
“ The music, film, literature and visual arts have triumphed, it’s now time that this should be celebrated nationally andiInternationally. Our little corner of England has been missed and forgotten for a long time, Isle of Culture 2029 has more than a good ring to it.”
Polly Billington said: “Whether you are born here or drawn here, Thanet has so much to offer. Our people, our history and our environment are our three strongest assets. But despite our energy, enthusiasm and talent, there is so much more we could be doing to shout about Thanet’s brilliance from the rooftops.
“Drawing the whole isle together to tell our story and to build confidence and connection is what the bid for Isle of Culture is all about. Culture is for everyone. Let’s show that.”
Sir Roger Gale, MP for Herne Bay and Sandwich, said: “I am pleased to join with Dame Tracey Emin and Polly Billington MP in seeking Government recognition of the unique cultural heritage and wide-ranging offer of the whole Isle of Thanet.
“Working together, we are determined to see that the island’s history is celebrated and its cultural future developed and promoted in the interests of residents and visitors alike.”
Early survey responses highlight strong support for year-round cultural activity, better connections between towns, creative job opportunities, and meaningful community involvement in decision-making.
Despite its rich cultural heritage and thriving arts scene, Thanet faces significant challenges – it’s one of the most deprived areas in the South East, with high unemployment, educational attainment below the national average, and a seasonal economy that creates insecurity.
But organisers argue that culture can be a catalyst for change. Hull 2017 created 800 jobs and generated £300 million economic impact. Coventry 2021 increased community pride and reduced social isolation.
James Lawson, Chairman of Ramsgate Football Club, said: “The Isle of Culture is not just about building infrastructure — it’s about uniting our neighbours, pooling our strengths, and creating a shared legacy that will benefit generations to come. Football is one way of doing that and culture is a powerful tool to bridge divides and create a real shared community vision.”
A Southeastern Railway spokesperson said: “We’re excited to support the Isle of Culture bid. Thanet is just 75 minutes from London on our high-speed service, and we see huge potential for cultural tourism.
“We’re exploring how we can work with the bid to improve access, create special offers for cultural visitors, and connect the three towns through better local services. Great culture needs great transport links.”
Artist Bob and Roberta Smith, said: “From Augustine to Turner and Dickens to millions of Holiday makers to TS Elliot, to me, (recently Madonna) and Tracey Emin The Isle of Thanet has been an Isle of extraordinary Inspiration.
“Thanet is the only place in the UK where one can see the sun rise over the sea in the morning and see it set over the sea in the evening, for this unique reason Thanet is the Isle of inspiration.”
Supporting organisations include: Turner Contemporary, Dreamland, TKE Studios, Broadstairs Folk Week, Pie Factory Music, Ramsgate Space, Margate Pride, People Dem Collective, Social Enterprise Kent, Ramsgate Town Council, Thanet Citizens Advice, Rise Up Clean Up, Neurodivergent Friends of Thanet, Heritage Lab, Kent Coast Volunteering, and many more.
Have your say
Residents, former residents, visitors and anyone with a connection to Thanet are encouraged to complete the survey at: https://forms.gle/aQCCNy3uLXuFM1nJ6
If you are a local business, organisation or individual who would like to publicly list your support for a bid, please contact [email protected]
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will announce which places are longlisted later this year. If successful, Isle of Culture would receive funding to develop a full bid, with the winning place announced in 2027.
Website: www.isleofculture.org/
