TEIGNMOUTH has taken another step forward in its bid to become the UK's Town of Culture 2028 with the release of its official digital postcard as part of the national competition.

Created to celebrate the town's unique identity, the postcard aims to capture the essence of Teignmouth through its stunning coastline, rich heritage, thriving arts scene and strong community spirit.

Developed to a tight deadline, it reflects the ‘passion and creativity of a town that continues to champion culture, creativity and community’.

The Town of Culture bid has brought together local organisations, artists, volunteers, businesses and community groups, all working towards a celebrating Teignmouth's past, present and future.

The digital postcard is now live as part of the national campaign, giving people across the country the opportunity to discover what makes Teignmouth such a special place to live, work and visit.

The steering group is encouraging residents, businesses and visitors to view the postcard, share it on social media and help showcase Teignmouth to a wider audience.

Sam Lock, Town of Culture project lead, said: ‘This postcard may be small, but it represents something much bigger.

‘It celebrates the people, creativity, heritage and community spirit that make Teignmouth so special.

‘We're incredibly proud to share it and hope everyone will help spread the word as we continue our Town of Culture journey.’

The steering group has also received confirmation that towns will be notified at the end of July whether they have been shortlisted for the next stage of the competition.

The bid was launched in March when Teignmouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce chair and town councillor Keith Underhill registered an expression of interest with the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), backed by Teignmouth Town Council.

The UK Town of Culture 2028 competition was launched by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy MP as part of the government’s ‘Plan for Change’ to drive economic growth and opportunity and restore pride in communities.

The competition has three categories: small town of culture, medium town of culture and large town of culture. Teignmouth, with a population of around 15,000, qualifies as a small town.

Once the bid has been submitted, the government will shortlist towns to go through to the next round of the competition.

Shortlisted towns will be awarded a grant of £60,000 each to develop the full application.

Towns will be judged: on their ‘unique story’; how the town will design a cultural programme for all; and how the town will deliver a successful programme.

‘UK Town of Culture asks what makes your town special? What makes its people proud to be there? And why should that be celebrated?’ explained UK Town of Culture Chair Sir Phil Redmond.

Three finalists - one small, one medium, one large town - will be announced early in 2027. The winner will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive a £3 million prize. The two runners-up will each receive £250,000 to deliver elements of their bid.

View Teignmouth's digital postcard and follow the campaign on social media using #UKTownofCulture. Or https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Su-761mY3NPLpd4d948m5ppY7R-bslw&usp=sharing