Driffield's Bid to Crown Itself UK’s Ultimate Town of Culture 2028!

Driffield, a town in East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, is aiming to become the first UK Town of Culture in 2028. The town council is submitting a bid based on Driffield's reputation as the 'Capital of the Wolds. ' If Driffield wins, it will receive three million pounds to run a cultural program, while the other two finalists, Bridlington and Pocklington, will each get two hundred and fifty thousand pounds for their own events. The council believes Driffield stands out because the Town of Culture award is meant to highlight towns with unique identities.

Driffield is proud of its traditions and community spirit. The town is known for its market, canal, and annual agricultural show. One of its oldest traditions is the scrambling event, where children gather outside a shop on New Year's Day to collect sweets dropped by a shopkeeper. This event has been part of Driffield's culture for many years and brings families together. The town also celebrates its history with famous people like Benjamin Fawcett, a well-known wood-engraver, and John Mortimer, an archaeologist. Driffield is also recognized for its love of sports, especially rugby and cricket.

Local business owners and residents are excited about the bid. Councillor Mark Blakeston says Driffield has an 'unbelievable culture' and sees this as a great opportunity to showcase the town's strengths. Mark Edwards, who owns a clothing store, describes Driffield as 'perfect' and says it has everything a family could need, from good schools to entertainment and great pubs. Andy Rafters, who runs a grocery store, points out that Driffield is full of independent shops, which is rare these days. He believes winning the competition could make the town even better. Natalie Waudby, who owns a micropub, thinks winning the title would attract more visitors and boost the town's profile. The people of Driffield are hopeful that their town will be recognized for its culture and community spirit.