Strabane shortlisted for UK's first Town of Culture 2028
Strabane, County Tyrone, has been shortlisted as a contender for the UK's inaugural Town of Culture title in 2028.
Entering the town from County Tyrone, visitors are greeted by the Tinnies—five 18-foot metal statues depicting dancers and musicians performing as cars pass by.
These statues symbolize the town's cultural ambition, as Strabane aims to secure the Town of Culture award, competing against larger UK towns such as Grimsby, Rotherham, and Port Talbot.
Located approximately 14 miles from Londonderry in northwest Northern Ireland, Strabane has a population of around 13,000 and boasts a rich cultural heritage.
Notable figures associated with Strabane include singer-songwriter Paul Brady, playwright Brian Friel, solar astronomer Annie Maunder, and writer Brian Nolan, better known as Flann O'Brien.
However, the town's cultural aspirations coincide with the closure of its primary arts venue, the Alley Theatre, which remains shut due to a water leak and is expected to stay closed for a longer period than initially anticipated.
The timing of the theatre's closure has been noted with a sense of irony by local arts advocates.
"The news was bittersweet in a way," said Ciara McCay, director of the Strabane Drama Festival, referring to the award's recognition of culture and original storytelling while the Alley Theatre remains closed.
McCay highlighted her personal connection to the theatre, noting that her father, Aodh McCay, was involved in its planning and design.
"It is heartbreaking that it is not currently open," she added, "but I am delighted that the town is being recognised in a positive light."
Comedian Emer Maguire has also experienced the impact of the theatre's closure firsthand, having had to relocate two of her shows.
"I was so upset, as were the audiences because they had sold out well in advance," Maguire said.
She praised the Alley Theatre as a high-spec venue that has supported performances since her teenage years and emphasized the importance of continued investment.
"Some people feel it would not have taken so long to reopen if it had been a theatre in Derry or Belfast, and I think there is probably some truth in that. Sometimes people forget about us and we get left behind."
Maguire expressed hope that the Town of Culture bid could help address these disparities.
"Being from Strabane and growing up there gave me a real sense of pride and joy in the town. We know what the town means to us and how great it is, but it's lovely to see that recognised nationally on such a huge scale," she said.
"I'm very proud and very happy, to be honest."
The Alley Theatre was initially expected to be closed for six months due to a water leak but is now scheduled to remain closed through the end of 2026.
Maguire credits Strabane with nurturing her career in comedy and music.
"For such a small town, we have produced an amazing number of musicians, writers, actors, comedians and artists, and there seems to be something about growing up there that breeds creativity.
"For me, I'd love to see investment in the arts that leaves a lasting legacy, like workshops in schools, rehearsal spaces, small performance venues or festivals," she added, noting that similar programmes had a significant impact on her youth.
"I'd also love young people to know they don't have to leave to be creative."
Uilleann pipe maker Martin Gallan echoed the sentiment regarding Strabane's cultural significance.
"I think it reinforces what people like me have said for years: that Strabane is of huge historical and cultural significance," Gallan said.
Gallan, a former president of Strabane's Chamber of Commerce, remarked that the town often receives unfair negative press that overshadows its talented residents.
"For quite a small place, we have such a huge amount of amazing musical talent, both traditional and contemporary, who are, in my opinion, some of the best on this island."
He noted that the Alley Theatre's closure has made it difficult to attract major acts but expressed hope that a successful Town of Culture bid would improve the situation.
What is the UK Town of Culture?
The UK Town of Culture is a new competition launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
Inspired by the success of the UK City of Culture programme, it aims to celebrate towns and create lasting cultural legacies.
The government will select the best small, medium, and large towns from the applications received.
One town will be named UK Town of Culture 2028 and awarded £3 million to develop a year-long programme of cultural celebrations, while the two other finalists will each receive £250,000.
The competition, which has shortlisted 15 places from nearly 400 applications, will run alongside the UK City of Culture 2029.
Community reactions in Strabane
Adrian and Gillian Maxwell, coffee shop owners, expressed their delight at the town's shortlisting.
"I am originally from Derry but we wanted to move back to Strabane and open our business because we do love it here," Gillian said.
"You'll not meet nicer people anywhere, everyone will stop and chat and there is a real community here."
Gillian hopes the town will win the award and gain recognition for the community they cherish.
Raymond McGoldrick of McGoldrick Sports welcomed the recognition and encouraged visitors to explore Strabane.
"I was absolutely great to hear the news. Strabane is a fantastic wee place and anybody who does not know about it should certainly come and visit us.
"It's a beautiful wee town and it just has so much to offer."
Diane Faulkner, co-owner of a local opticians operating for over 18 years, expressed hope that the bid would boost the local economy.
"I hope the bid opens up the town to people who maybe don't know about Strabane because it has so many good things going for it.
"Hopefully this can help bring more money into the area and see more improvements to Main Street," she said.
