COULD Pembroke be UK Town of Culture 2028?

The UK Town of Culture is a new designation launched this year - modelled after the UK City of Culture - that awards one town annually (starting 2028) £3 million to fund a year of cultural activities, storytelling and community pride.

The competition invites towns to highlight their unique history, heritage, and creative spirit, telling their specific story.

Two runner-up towns each receive £250,000.

Pembroke Town Council recently confirmed that an Expression of Interest has been submitted. Drawing on local knowledge, past community insight, and the energy of people who care deeply about the town, a huge amount of work went into pulling together the application by the March 31 deadline, .

Over several weeks, the Town Council repeatedly asked: ‘Could Pembroke be UK Town of Culture 2028?’ as it pointed out some of the town’s qualities:

“Pembroke Castle started as a Norman stronghold, later gaining significance once again as the birthplace of Henry VII. Through the Civil War it was fought over, held, and reclaimed. After that, the town carried on changing around it, from a working port to what it is now.

“The castle sits at the heart of the town. The streets follow its presence, the views lead back to it, and for centuries it shaped what this place was.

“Main Street still follows the same line it did hundreds of years ago. What stands there now sits on top of the original layout. Shops and houses built over old plots and under crofts that once shaped how the town worked. It has long been the centre of trade and daily life in Pembroke, and that still holds true today.”

This is just one part of Pembroke’s story… and there’s much more to tell.

“It’s fair to say the Mill Pond has seen it all. From working boats and trade to quiet walks in the evening light, this stretch of water has always been part of everyday life in Pembroke. Over the years, it has brought people together, whether for work, reflection or simply passing through.

“From ducks, swans and moorhens to herons, kingfishers and even otters, there’s always something to spot along the water. These moments are part of everyday life here, small encounters that stay with you.

“In a historic town like Pembroke, everything feels connected: the streets, the waterfront, the people, all linked in a way that’s hard to explain unless you’ve spent time there.

“Seen from above, you start to notice how the town fits together. Layers of history, different styles of architecture, all side by side, still in use today. That connection between place and people is what gives Pembroke its character.”

Whatever the outcome, the Expression of Interest has sparked important conversations about how to build on Pembroke’s assets, and how the council can work together with the Pembroke Regeneration Committee to keep moving things forward.

All shortlisted places will receive £60,000 each to help them to develop their full bids for the competition.