Council Approves Motion to Put Limavady Forward for UK Town of Culture 2028

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council passed a Notice of Motion this evening at Full Council, which could see Limavady put forward as a contender for the UK Town of Culture 2028.

The motion, proposed by Alderman Callan and seconded by Councillor Elder, instructs Council officers to develop a comprehensive submission to the newly announced UK-wide competition, positioning Limavady as a strong candidate for the prestigious national title.

The UK Town of Culture initiative is designed to restore pride in communities, celebrate local identity and creativity, and deliver lasting cultural, social and economic benefits. A successful bid would place a national spotlight on Limavady’s rich heritage, vibrant arts scene and strong community spirit.

Limavady already offers a diverse and distinctive cultural landscape. At its heart is Council’s Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, which houses museum collections, exhibitions, performances and festivals, alongside a thriving network of writers’ groups, Irish dancing schools, drama societies and amateur artist collectives.

The town’s cultural significance extends well beyond the town centre. Limavady has international recognition through the Danny Boy or Londonderry Air, collected by Jane Ross, whose former home still stands on Main Street. Its wider heritage includes the Broighter Gold Hoard, the RAF Dome Trainer, Limavady Workhouse, and strong mythological links to the O’Cahan clan, reflected in castle ruins, local storytelling, and the town’s Sculpture and Public Art Trail.

Limavady’s cultural life is further enriched by events such as the Stendhal Festival, a strong jazz and blues scene, Irish language activity through Glór, and literary connections, including the John Steinbeck family link, celebrated through festivals and programming at the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre.

The surrounding natural landscape, from Binevenagh Mountain and Benone Strand to the River Roe and Roe Valley Country Park, is closely connected to the area’s industrial and social history, including linen production, mills and historic bleach greens that remain visible today.

At the core of Limavady’s cultural strength are its people. A wide range of community and voluntary groups, schools, choirs, heritage organisations and language groups actively participate in arts and cultural activity, ensuring creativity remains inclusive, intergenerational and firmly community-led.