Towards the end of January, we sent out an email to our members giving a link to details of a local group who were planning to submit a bid for Thanet as a whole to pitch to be the national ‘City of Culture’ in 2029. That email also invited you to complete a survey to help shape the bid and also to demonstrate that people are engaged and interested in the potential of this bid.

As a prize it is almost impossible to imagine – a year long feast of cultural activities across Thanet with a budget of £10m! Of course, it is a long shot but the Ramsgate Society has joined the long list of supporting organisations.

The next stages:

February 8th 2026: The initial ‘Expression of Interest’ was submitted, informed by over 750 resident responses to the survey, consultation meetings and existing research, and the feedback of our 25 local peer reviewers (including me).

Spring 2026: Applications are assessed and a longlist is announced. Longlisted places get £60,000 to develop full proposals.

Summer/Autumn 2026: Full proposals are submitted and assessed. A shortlist is drawn up.

Late 2026: The panel visits shortlisted places to see them in action. Winners announced by the end of 2026.

You can keep up to date with progress here: https://www.isleofculture.org