Lerwick is in the running to become the UK's first Town of Culture

In 2028, one town will receive £3 million to deliver a major cultural programme – and Lerwick is one of six towns shortlisted in the small town category. Now we want to know what Town of Culture could mean for you.

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Lerwick and Town of Culture

Lerwick 28 will celebrate what makes this place unique: our rich heritage, strong traditions, vibrant contemporary culture and extraordinary island creativity.

Our ambition reaches across all of Shetland. Lerwick, a historical gathering place, is where people all over Shetland come together to trade, celebrate, perform, work and connect. Lerwick is the stage; Shetland brings the story.

We will use the national attention and investment to create new opportunities, bring culture into Lerwick’s streets and spaces, support our creative community, and strengthen connections between Lerwick, Shetland and the rest of the UK. Winning isn’t the end goal. What we build with that opportunity is.

Our story

Young people play in a band in a cafe setting

Two people with knitted hats, jumpers, scarves and gloves

Our proposed theme is Life at the Edge

Lerwick sits at the edge of the UK, but being at the edge doesn’t mean being on the sidelines. It means having a distinctive perspective, a strong sense of place and a culture shaped by its people.

Our programme will showcase our distinctive stories, traditions and cultural life and what happens when we share that perspective far and wide – But the programme isn’t decided yet.

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"Lerwick has always been both an edge and a meeting point. Our identity has been shaped by the sea, migration and exchange, and by our connections with the wider world. It’s a place where our Norse and Scottish heritage meet, and where traditional culture continues to evolve through contemporary creativity. For me, that mix of heritage, openness and creativity is what makes Lerwick such a distinctive place - and such an exciting place to tell our story.”

Mhari Mcleman, Community Liaison, Lerwick 28