Two stakeholder workshops have been completed. 25 people in person, 17 online — and what came out of both sessions was striking in its consistency.

When asked what shaped St Neots, people talked about the river, the market square, the town’s history as a place people pass through and settle. When asked what defines it now, they pointed to grassroots energy: the festival, the drama groups, the community organisations that punch well above their weight. And when asked what culture could help address, a clear theme emerged: a town growing faster than its identity, with thousands of new residents still finding their place in it.

That last point is at the heart of our bid. St Neots is one of the fastest-growing towns in the country. The question isn’t whether it will change — it’s whether culture gets a seat at the table when it does.

The energy in both sessions confirmed something we already knew: when St Neots people come together around culture, things happen.

Everyone who joined us has been asked to spread the word in their networks. The circle is widening.

If your organisation should be part of this and isn’t yet, get in touch. We’re still building the partnership — and the story belongs to all of us.