Sherborne has been named Dorset Town of Culture 2027, beating other towns across the county to secure the title for next year.
The award recognises the town’s cultural identity and existing arts scene, and comes with funding from Dorset Council, matched by Sherborne Town Council, to deliver a year-long programme of events.
Town Clerk Steve Shield said the town was “absolutely delighted” with the win.
“Our commitment to ‘Culture Everywhere’ plans to bring inclusivity to everything we do, as well as making it accessible to everyone in our wonderful community,” he said.
“Thank you to all those that contributed towards our successful bid, which included the production of a fun promotional video, showcasing a variety of events proposed for next year.”
What Sherborne’s got planned for 2027
The town will run a full year of cultural events next year, mixing new initiatives with its existing calendar. Signature events already on the town’s cultural roster include the Travel Writing Festival and PRIDE, alongside exhibitions at The Sherborne. A World Book Day Children’s Reading Festival is also planned for March 2027.
The town is setting up a Community Cultural Partnership ahead of the year, intended to shape the programme and make sure it reflects a broad range of voices.
The medieval streets and Abbey give the town a strong backdrop for events, and organisers are hoping the title will draw new audiences to the town’s existing galleries and creative enterprises as well as bring in visitors from further afield.
How Dorset Town of Culture works
Dorset Town of Culture was launched in 2024 by the Arts Development Company. Each year, one town in the county is chosen to run a funded programme of cultural activity, with money coming jointly from Dorset Council and the relevant town council.
Bridport held the title first in 2024, with a pilot programme that drew 10,000 attendees across 35 events. Portland and Weymouth followed in 2025, reaching more than 15,000 people and involving 137 artists. Wimborne currently holds the title for 2026, and has secured extra funding from Arts Council England for a community production called “HOME,” staged at Kingston Lacy in September.
Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, economic growth and strategic assets, said the award reflected Sherborne’s “remarkable history” and “strong sense of identity.”
“The programme will not only showcase its cultural offer to new audiences but will also help support local organisations, attract visitors and create opportunities for people to connect with their community,” he said.
There is now just over a year to prepare before its Town of Culture programme begins in January 2027.
