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Kirkcaldy kick starts bid to be UK Town of Culture 2028

Posted on 8 April 2026 by Rory Syme

Kirkcaldy has officially started its bid to be UK Town of Culture 2028.

The Lang Toun Partners have launched “Kirkcaldy is…”, a campaign inviting everyone in the Lang Toun to help shape Kirkcaldy’s bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028.

The campaign asks a simple question: What is Kirkcaldy to you? Residents, schools, community groups, sports clubs, businesses and creatives are all encouraged to complete the phrase “Kirkcaldy is…” in their own words; celebrating the people, places and stories that make the town special.

This marks the public launch of Kirkcaldy’s bid, which is proudly community‑led and rooted in the belief that culture here is something people make together. Their bid states, “People care for the town and each other. Culture here is made with communities, not delivered to them.”

Kirkcaldy has faced the same challenges as many post‑industrial towns, from the decline of heavy industry to pressures on the high street. But the town is also full of resilience, creativity and community leadership. The recent £20 million Growth Mission Fund investment has sparked new optimism and a shared belief that this is the right moment to act boldly and confidently.

Winning UK Town of Culture 2028 would bring national recognition, new investment and long‑term opportunities for residents, young people and local creatives.

The “Kirkcaldy is…” campaign feeds directly into the cultural programme being developed for 2028, which coincides with the town’s 900th anniversary. Themes include:
  • celebrating Kirkcaldy’s history and heritage
  • supporting young people as creators and leaders
  • taking culture into neighbourhoods
  • showcasing local talent
  • strengthening pride in place
  • promoting sustainability, climate action and social justice

Community groups will also feature in a series of short films and imagery. For example, Stellar Quines completing “Kirkcaldy is… dramatic”, local choirs completing “Kirkcaldy is… music” and makers completing “Kirkcaldy is… handmade”.

The Lang Toun Partners are leading the bid for UK Town of Culture 2028. This is a collective of local organisations including Greener Kirkcaldy, Adam Smith Global Foundation, Stellar Quines, Every One Every Day, OnFife, Fife College, K107FM, Linton Lane Centre, Kings Theatre, Growing Kirkcaldy, Love Oor Lang Toun, Fife Council and many more. These groups already work closely with residents, volunteers, young people and underrepresented communities.

Lauren Brook, Greener Kirkcaldy, said: “Kirkcaldy is full of talent, creativity and community spirit. This campaign is about celebrating who we and inviting everyone to help shape our future. If we win UK Town of Culture, it will be because the people of Kirkcaldy made it happen.”

How to get involved

  • Share your own “Kirkcaldy is…” on social media using #KirkcaldyIs
  • Join upcoming workshops and events
  • Submit ideas through local partners
  • Volunteer or take part in cultural activities across the town
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