Bridport | Town of Culture 2024

Bridport was Dorset’s inaugural Town of Culture between July and December 2024. Over 8,000 people visited the market town and experienced a rich and diverse programme of cultural events, and approximately 43% of the audience were first-time visitors. Town of Culture was established by Arts Development Company to strengthen the excellent cultural activity already happening in Dorset, and to deepen relationships between communities, cultural venues and organisations. For the next few years, a town, village or hamlet in Dorset will be awarded £30,000 to work together and deliver a year's worth of extraordinary cultural activity, with support and funding from Dorset Council, and match funding from the winning town or parish council. Bridport piloted Town of Culture for the second half of 2024, Portland and Weymouth have been awarded joint Towns of Culture for 2025, Wimborne will be Town of Culture 2026. With support from Dorset Council and Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils, Arts Development Company hopes to foster a spirit of collaboration and ensure a legacy of rich and diverse culture across the county. Video by Archie Rowell and Elliott Millson.