An Isle of Wight seaside town is entering into the government’s UK Town of Culture competition – with a chance of winning £3.5 million. Sandown Town Council (STC) unanimously voted to approve the submission of an Expression of Interest for the contest, at its meeting on Monday (26th January 2026). Small town categoryThree finalists from the competition will be chosen – one small, one medium, one large town. The winner will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive a £3 million prize. Sandown North councillor Tracy Mikich approached STC, expressing enthusiasm to explore a Sandown bid, Mayor Alex Lightfoot told the Broadway Centre meeting.