As part of engagement work for the Grimsby 2028 bid, students and staff at Franklin College have been articulating what makes Grimsby special and its potential for future achievements. The town is currently one of four shortlisted in the large towns category for the prestigious UK Town of Culture title, alongside Basildon, Birkenhead, and Rotherham. The final bid is due by 30 November 2026, with the winner to be announced in March 2027, receiving £3 million for a six-month cultural programme in 2028.
Lucy Bulbeck, a student, expressed her pride in Grimsby, stating, “I think Grimsby is under-presented – its heritage is so rich. I’m proud to be from Grimsby, there’s more to offer than you think around here. There’s lots to do, especially apprenticeship opportunities.” She highlighted the positive impact of the new Horizon Youth Zone as a valuable space for families and children.
Fellow student Charlie Jarnett echoed the enthusiasm for the Horizon Youth Zone, describing it as "amazing" for music and socialising, and noted the excitement around new venues like Innoflate. Charlie suggested improvements such as increasing the number of shops, adding new parks, and enhancing security, while acknowledging the town's progress for young people.
Rickeana McCurdy emphasised the town's overlooked history, referencing archaeological finds in Freshney Place and the significance of Grimsby's fishing heritage. She believes the Town of Culture bid would help celebrate these "untapped possibilities" and foster pride. McCurdy also pointed to the strength of community shown during events like the Armed Forces weekend and various cultural festivals, suggesting that the GY28 initiative would provide a platform to promote these stories and attract visitors.
Reuben, a finance assistant at the college, sees the bid as beneficial for the town, particularly for creating more opportunities for younger generations. He mentioned the Airshow as an example of community impact and expressed hope that any funding secured would lead to more events, including international food markets, and greater involvement from schools and colleges.
Residents, businesses, and community groups are encouraged to support the bid by using the hashtag #GY28 on social media, completing the GY28 survey, or attending upcoming engagement events. Further information is available on the GY28 website.
