Sculptures, story ships and dry ski slopes: what we’re hearing from the Lerwick 28 survey so far.
Big ideas are already coming in from across Shetland as people share what they would love to see, do and experience if and when Lerwick becomes the UK’s first Town of Culture in 2028.
With the chance to bring £3 million to Shetland for a year of cultural activity, the Lerwick 28 survey responses so far are showing just how big people are willing to think.
Ideas submitted through the survey include everything from outdoor festivals on the pier to fashion shows and new ways to bring Shetland’s heritage to life.
Here are just some of ideas being suggested.
“An outdoor pavilion somewhere in Lerwick”
“I would like to really focus on the street and make it more vibrant in terms of art installations, interactive elements, make it a destination in itself”
“Commercial Street could be transformed into a venue for live music, art and food and drink.”
“I would love to see a major Shetland–Norway cultural gathering in Lerwick harbour, celebrating our shared history and friendship across the North Sea.”
“Shetland fashion week. Catwalk of fashion designs made in Shetland.”
“A story ship where people go on a boat for a day to visit places and hear stories on the way.”
“Public performances of Shetland’s past by professional actors reenacting parts of Shetland’s heritage.”
“Collaborating with marine biologists as well to raise awareness about ocean wildlife through folklore and art.”
“A legacy of public sculpture/art would be fantastic. Lerwick and the wider Shetland has very little permanent outdoor art.”
“Get some big acts up – ones that everyone would enjoy from the young to the old.”
“Outdoor dry ski slope where we could have tubing and sledging all year round on one of our many hills”
These are not proposals for the 2028 programme at this stage, but sharing a snapshot of ideas coming through – with the hope of inspiring more people to think big and fill in the survey.
With £3 million potentially available, what would you do?
The survey is open until 9 October and everyone across Shetland is invited to take part.
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