More than 70 community organisations, cultural groups and businesses from across the Isle of 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 Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Birchington and surrounding villages, choosing to collaborate at island-scale rather than compete town-by-town. Organisers describe it as an unprecedented show of collective ambition for Thanet’s future.
The initiative was catalysed 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 themselves, with the support of Thanet District Council and Kent County Council.
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 local people, organisers launched a public survey inviting residents and 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.
This is all part of making sure the bid reflects voices from across all towns and villages. 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.
Polly Billington, MP for East Thanet 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.”
Dame Tracey Emin added: “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, and it’s now time that this should be celebrated nationally and internationally. 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.”
Residents, former residents, visitors and anyone with a connection to Thanet are encouraged to complete the survey here.
If you are a local business, organisation or individual who would like to publicly list your support for a bid, contact info@isleofculture.org
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will announce which places are longlisted later in 2026. If successful, Isle of Culture would receive funding to develop a full bid, with the winning place announced in 2027.
