Towns across the country have submitted digital postcards to the Government encapsulating why they should win the coveted title of Town of Culture 2028.

Among them were postcards from Heckmondwike, Batley and Mirfield, in what the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) described as a chance for towns to “champion their bid”.

The 400 postcards were compiled into an interactive map and made into a digital display at the Museum of Liverpool, which was visited by the Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, on Thursday, July 2.

Heckmondwike’s submission spoke about the warmth of its people, describing a “small town with a big heart”.

Heckmondwike's digital postcard submission for the Town of Culture 2028 competition. Submissions were also made by Batley and Mirfield.

placeholder image — Heckmondwike's digital postcard submission for the Town of Culture 2028 competition. Submissions were also made by Batley and Mirfield.

The postcard read: “Greetings from Heckmondwike — The Little City On The Spen.

“A town shaped by culture, storytellers and generations of community spirit.

“From our historic illuminations, textile mills to today's vibrant creative scene, culture here is woven into everyday life.

“We celebrate life and the warmth of people who always show up for one another.

“This is our moment to shine, to share our culture our hopes for the future.

“Heckmondwike stands proud – a small town with a big heart.”

Batley’s bid was put forward by Akhtar Kasia – co-founder of Batley Hub – and Heeleys owner Isabel Townend.

The proposal highlights Batley as a town shaped by its people, businesses and community networks, and includes plans for a town-wide textile installation created by local residents and groups, as well as activity across the high street where creative work would be made and shared in public spaces.

Akhtar said: “Batley has always been a town that builds and organises. This bid is about showing that strength on a bigger stage.”

Isabel added: “This is about bringing people together and making visible what Batley already does so well.”

The shortlist of towns which will progress to the next stage of the competition is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Each shortlisted town will receive £60,000 to deliver their full bids, and three finalists will then be chosen.

The UK Town of Culture 2028 winner will receive a £3million prize to host a season of culture in 2028, which the Government said would help the winning town “deliver a long-lasting legacy of cultural participation and local pride”.

The two runners-up will each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their bid.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “For far too long, towns across the UK have felt left out of our national story.

“Today we celebrate the local pride that has always existed in towns around the country within this amazing display of postcards from bidding towns.

“Through UK Town of Culture, I wanted to shine a light on our amazing towns all across the UK and the huge contribution they make to our national life.

“That contribution is clear to see today and I hope each and every town is incredibly proud of the work they have done to champion their community in the competition.”