HOPES of Workington being a contender for the UK Town of Culture have been dashed after all eight entries from Cumbria failed to make the shortlist... but many in the town say it has already won the prize in their eyes.
It was announced last Thursday, July 9 that Workington had not progressed through to the next stage of the first UK Town of Culture competition, which is part of the government’s Pride in Place Programme.
However local organisations, councillors and the town's mayor have said that the town does not need a title - with pride for Workington's culture shining through.
Workington mayor Sue Fryer said: "While we are naturally disappointed not to have been shortlisted for the Town of Culture award, Workington does not need external recognition to know its value.
"Our town has a proud heritage, a strong community spirit and a thriving cultural scene that continues to grow year after year."
The mayor cited music, dance, drama and varied programmes at the Carnegie Theatre and the historic Theatre Royal, 'one of the oldest working theatres in the country', as well as 'community festivals, sporting events, local arts groups and heritage celebrations'.
She added: "We are blessed with a stunning location, nestled between the Solway Coast, the Lake District and the River Derwent. Visitors can experience breath-taking landscapes while also discovering a town with character, warmth and a unique identity.
"Few places can offer such a combination of natural beauty and proud industrial heritage.
"What truly makes Workington special is not a title or an award. It is our people. We are a town that supports one another, volunteers, fundraises, creates and celebrates together. Whether through sport, music, theatre, history or community events, we continue to demonstrate the values that define a great cultural town."
Cumberland Council leader Mark Fryer, who also represents the St John's and Great Clifton ward, said that the Uppies and Downies is his favourite part of culture in the town ‘by a country mile’, followed by the strong sporting heritage in teams such as Workington Town and the Workington Reds.
Speaking about Workington not making the list, he said: “I am absolutely proud of the culture and heritage that we have in Workington, that I think sometimes we undersell.
"Recently when I opened the greenhouse (in Curwen Hall Garden) I talked about Curwen Hall, the Bessemer Steelworks, I talked about the port, the Uppies and Downies which culturally is unique for us, the culture is right up there.
“I think that when people start to get behind it and build it they will see exactly what we do have in our towns. Recent history tells us that the work that we do to submit for culture puts us in good stead for the next time around.”
Theatre and arts in the town
Becca Muir, interim executive director at The Carnegie, feels that culture in Workington is 'thriving'.
She said: "We see it every day at The Carnegie, from the professional productions we present to entertain our audiences, to the many community theatre groups, schools, festivals, and dance schools performing on our stages, to people taking part in workshops and classes across the year.
"Culture is about much more than a title – it's about the passion of local people, the strength of our creative community and providing opportunities for everyone to experience the arts.
"We're proud to be at the heart of that and look forward to continuing to support Workington's cultural future."
One of the town's amateur dramatic groups, the Workington Amateur Operatic Society, said that whilst the town has missed out this year, they are 'hopeful' that the town's 'ever strengthening cultural scene' will set the town in running for the future.
“As a group, we're so proud to be part of Workington's busy cultural scene. With multiple theatre, music and dance groups, and a vibrant programme of music, drama, talks and comedies across all styles of venue, our town is a bustling hub and only growing," said society member Kimberley Brough.
"Our own operatic society is celebrating 120 years in 2026 – you don’t run that long without the strong support and enjoyment of local people."
History and heritage
Cllr Patricia Poole, who sits on the Workington Town Council's culture and social investment committee, said that whilst 'missing out on the Town of Culture this year is disappointing', the town doesn't 'need an award to be recognised for its culture'.
She added that as manager for the Helena Thompson Museum she could 'guarantee' that the home of Helena is the 'home of culture'.
She said: "We already get this message out to people without having an award, just by our visitor numbers, people from all over the country and abroad visit us on a regular basis and are very happy to see we are keeping the culture and heritage of our town alive."
Adding that her favourite cultural asset in the town is the museum, as 'we are the only venue to hold the heritage of the town for all to see', she said that the museum's showcase of some of their artifacts at a recent Party in the Park event was a 'great success'.
Cllr David Farrar, deputy chair of the culture and social inclusion committee, added: “While it is naturally disappointing that Workington was not shortlisted for UK Town of Culture 2028, the truth is that we do not need a national title to validate the strength of our town.
"The bidding process was never about seeking permission to be cultural; it was about showcasing the vibrant, unbreakable community spirit that already thrives here on our own terms.
"As our application made clear, our vision for culture is one that is shaped by communities, not simply delivered to them."
When asked what the best part of Workington's culture is for me, he added it is 'found in the everyday fabric and grassroots resilience of our people'.
Cllr Farrar added: "You see it in the immense dedication of locals pulling together for community milestones, like the recent centenary celebrations down at the Vulcan Park Bowling Club. You feel it in the shared pride and camaraderie on the terraces at a local rugby match, and you witness it in the profound, unwavering respect this town shows when we turn out together for civic parades and armed forces remembrance events.
"That is the true culture of Workington. It is forged on the ground by the people who live here. This competition has only strengthened our partnerships and our momentum."
Barrow, Ulverston, Kendal, Kirkby Lonsdale, Appleby, Penrith, and Maryport also entered the competition, however no Cumbrian town made the shortlist.
Across the UK, 398 bids were submitted but only 15 towns from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland progressed to the next stage.
The programme aims to foster a sense of pride in communities and promote greater participation in cultural activities.
The overall winner will be announced early next year and will host a season of cultural events in 2028.
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