10 July 2026 – Statement on Barnsley not being shortlisted for UK Town of Culture 

Matt O’Neill, Executive Director for Place, said: “While we are disappointed not to have been shortlisted for the UK Town of Culture, we are incredibly proud of the ambitious and collaborative bid we developed for Barnsley.

“The work has further strengthened our vision for culture and creativity in Barnsley, and we’d like to thank the many cultural organisations, artists, communities and partners who came together to support the bid. We’ll continue working together using culture as a driver of pride, inclusion and economic growth across the borough.

“We'd like to thank all the many organisations, groups, individual artists and residents who contributed their ideas and shared their stories in supporting our bid. 

“We’d also like to congratulate our neighbour Rotherham and all the other places who’ve made the shortlist. We're already talking to our counterparts in Rotherham about how we maximise the benefits of Town of Culture for the region, including here in Barnsley."

Visit the UK Government’s website for more information. Barnsley is featured in an interactive map of postcards from towns who submitted bids in the competition.