“It’s towns that bring so much innovation,” Town of Culture judge Sir Phil Redmond says during Rotherham visit
"So often towns are dictated by other people’s impressions of them – this is a chance to change perceptions, both internally and externally.”
Rotherham will be given the "chance to tell its own authentic stories" through the Town of Culture competition, Sir Phil Redmond said during a visit to the town.
Sir Phil is the chair of the judging panel, and met with the people shaping Rotherham's bid on Wednesday to find out why they believe it deserves to take the title in 2028.
Rotherham has made the final 15 shortlist out of nearly 400 applications selected by the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport, in the UK's first ever competition for Town of Culture.
“Most of the big cities take all the headlines and create all the noise, but actually it’s the towns that bring so much innovation,” Sir Phil said.
Sir Phil, a television producer and screenwriter, was also on the Independent Advisory panel for UK City of Culture.
He is best known for creating drama series’ like Hollyoaks, Grange Hill, and Brookside.
More recently, Sir Phil has focused on being an advocate and ambassador for the cultural and creative industries.
Rotherham has independent and partnered organisations working to spotlight culture, like Flux Rotherham and ROAR, who provide support for artists and creatives.
The town is home to outdoor venues like Rother Valley Country Park, and the award winning Clifton Park. It also hosted the RHS Flower Show in 2025.
Last year, Rotherham won the Children’s Capital of Culture award for putting young people at the heart of culture and creativity.
Sir Phil said he had heard about Rotherham’s cultural ambitions, for which there is a real level of ‘excitement', and ‘enthusiasm'.
He added: “The Town of Culture competition offers Rotherham a chance to tell its own authentic stories.
"So often towns are dictated by other people’s impressions of them – this is a chance to change perceptions, both internally and externally.”
Cllr Lynda Marshall, Cabinet Member for Waste Services, Leisure and Green Spaces, said: “We have far more to offer than people think.
"It’s time that we celebrated that on a national stage.
“There’s a real sense of momentum across South Yorkshire right now, and Sheffield’s City of Culture shortlist alongside Rotherham’s Town of Culture place is more fantastic news for the region.”
Rotherham's bid is due to be submitted in full on November 30.