Grimsby's Town of Culture ambition submitted to Government

‘AMBITION’, the inspiring poem written by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage for Grimsby’s Horizon Onside Youth Zone, headlines the GY28 Town of Culture expression of interest to Government.

‘Step Forward, the Future starts at your feet’ is the last line of the poem, which is proudly displayed at the entrance of Horizon. The Horizon Onside Youth Zone is leading the town’s bid alongside North East Lincolnshire Council.

And to celebrate the Town of Culture ‘expression of interest’, you can hear the poem read by Horizon Chief Executive, Lucy Ottewell-Key and Volunteer Co-ordinator, Helena Gollings on NELC’s social media and website GY28 - UK Town of Culture | NELC.

The poem shapes the GY28 submission, which details how Grimsby is a town on the edge where the ‘strongest stories begin’. It was sent to Government to meet yesterday’s (Tuesday 31 March) deadline.

“From the legend of Grim, the Danish fisherman who is said to have founded the town, to generations of dock workers who faced the sea’s harsh rhythms with courage and humour, Grimsby’s story is one of grit, innovation, and an unbreakable spirit,” says the submission.

It goes on to detail this town and its peoples’ ability to embrace ‘togetherness, determination and creativity ’ – harnessing challenge and turning it into opportunity.

Government will assess initial submissions from across the country before shortlisting by late Spring.  Final bids are due Autumn 2026, and the winner will be announced in early 2027, receiving £3m to deliver a year-long cultural programme in 2028. Two runners-up will each receive £250,000.

If you want to continue to show your support please use #GY28 and complete our short survey here: GY28 - UK Town of Culture | NELC

North East Lincolnshire Council’s Strategic Lead for Culture & Heritage, James Trowsdale, thanked everyone who had supported GY28 so far.

“From participation in workshops, conversations at Create NEL drop ins and engagement on social media, the voices of support from so many different people within our communities has been absolutely brilliant – watching the videos it’s clear that so many people care about Grimsby and its future and want to grab this GY28 opportunity with both hands,” he said.

Horizon Chief Executive, Lucy Ottewell-Key, added: “Our young people are leading the charge, they are creative, fearless and ready to show the nation exactly what this town can do. This opportunity gives them a platform to step into the spotlight and shape the future they want to see. And as Simon Armitage, Poet Laureate, wrote in the specially commissioned poem to celebrate our opening, ‘step forward, the future starts at your feet.’”

Ambition

 by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage

They say the horizon doesn’t exist

That it’s nothing more than a fuzzy smear

Where land and sky pretend to kiss

But this town is all about edge, isn’t it

That sickle of coast to the east; quick sunlight

That sharpens on wet roofs, the bladed wind

When grim sailed in from beyond the brink

He carried tomorrow – a child – on his back

You kids are the kids of his kids of his kids

Your dreams are made of fiery stuff

A flame burns when the dock tower fishes the dawn

Out of the oggin and lifts up its catch

The horizon opens its burning gates

Step forward the future starts at your feet

(Commissioned to celebrate the recent opening of Horizon Onside Youth Zone, Grimsby)