AMESBURY, widely recognised as Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited settlement and home to the world-famous Stonehenge, has made a bold bid to become the UK’s first-ever Town of Culture in 2028.

The submission, put forward by Amesbury Town Council, outlines an ambitious, community-driven vision to reposition the town from being a gateway to Stonehenge into a cultural destination in its own right.

Rooted in more than 10,000 years of history, the bid aims to harness Amesbury’s heritage, diverse communities and forward-looking ambition in a year-long cultural programme designed to inspire pride, participation and opportunity.

More than 680 residents contributed to one of the town’s largest engagement exercises, sharing ideas, priorities and lived experiences.

Their feedback has directly shaped plans that tackle local challenges while celebrating what makes Amesbury unique.

Mayor Cllr Dr Monica Devendran said: “Winning would be transformational for Amesbury. It would shine a national spotlight on our town, giving our community both the confidence and the platform to tell our story on a much bigger stage.

“We have a history we are immensely proud of, but Amesbury is not just a town with an ancient past. It is a place with a vibrant, inclusive, and ambitious cultural future. This is about telling Amesbury’s story with confidence, honouring our past while showcasing the energy, talent and ambition that define our community today.

“We have also raised Amesbury’s profile both regionally and nationally, strengthening our international links through our twinning agreement with Amesbury in Massachusetts.

“Importantly, we have reaffirmed our deep respect and commitment to our Armed Forces community through the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant. For me, it has been a privilege to support this work and help shape the future vision for Amesbury.”

Danny Kruger, the Reform MP for East Wiltshire, added: “The award should be about the history of our places and there is no place in these islands with a longer and greater history than Amesbury.

“Despite being dissected from Stonehenge itself by the A303, the very vibrant town is part of the world heritage site.

“I think there’s an enormous opportunity and a real importance for Wiltshire, that the town that hosts the museum for Stonehenge should be able to benefit from the millions who come through.”

The bid marks the first stage of a national competition led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

If successful, Amesbury 2028 promises a transformative year of culture, leaving a lasting legacy through improved infrastructure, stronger partnerships, enhanced skills, and a renewed sense of pride in the town.