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 Polly and Dame Tracey Emin, 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.
Community voices at the heart
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 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.”
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.
Bob and Roberta Smith, added:
“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 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.
‘Fanet’ is the future, hundreds of young artists, writers and musicians are making this beautiful inspirational place their home and it’s all very exciting … ”
With its extraordinary coastline, rich heritage, established cultural venues, thriving grassroots creativity and growing artistic community, Thanet has the foundations. City of Culture 2029 could help build on them.
If you are a local business, organisation or individual who would like to publicly list your support for a bid, please contact us on 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.
James Lawson, Chairman of Ramsgate Football Club:
“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.”
Southeastern Railway:
“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.”