Wokingham Borough Council has chosen Woodley as its entry for the UK Town of Culture competition.
The national scheme, run by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, invites towns to show how culture can bring people together, increase opportunity and support regeneration.
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Mark Ashwell, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for economic development, sport, leisure and arts, said: “Woodley has a rich and fascinating history, but it’s also a forward-looking town with a growing cultural identity and a real appetite for bringing people together.
“The sense of community in Woodley is already very strong and this competition could help us go further – creating even more opportunities for residents and visitors, supporting local groups and businesses and shining a spotlight on everything that makes the town special.”
Woodley’s bid will reflect its aviation heritage, community spirit, and transformation since the post-war era.
If selected, the winning town will receive £3 million to deliver a six-month programme of cultural events in 2028.
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Two runners-up will each receive £250,000, while all shortlisted entries will receive £60,000 to develop more detailed plans.
The council is inviting community groups, businesses, schools, and creatives to help shape the bid, which must be submitted by March 31.
If Woodley is shortlisted, a full cultural programme will be developed in partnership with local stakeholders before the final application round in autumn 2026.
The bid also supports the aims of the borough’s Communities Vision, which focuses on strengthening community connections, opportunity and pride in place across Wokingham Borough.