RESIDENTS of Ross-on-Wye are being invited to share their ideas and aspirations as it prepares an Expression of Interest of becoming the UK Town of Culture 2028.

A public engagement event will take place on Friday, February 27 between 5pm and 7pm at the Larruperz Centre.

This will be an open, informal drop-in session and an opportunity for thoughts to be heard before the bid is finalised and submitted.

Ross-on-Wye Town Council want to hear what culture in Ross means to local residents and what makes them feel the town does well, and what ideas people would like to see developed in the future.

Whether your interests lie in music, theatre, heritage, visual arts, community events or youth opportunities, local people’s perspective matters.

Cllr Ed O’Driscoll said: “This bid is about ambition for Ross and about shaping a cultural future that genuinely reflects our community. Before we submit our ‘Expression of Interest’, it’s vital we listen.

“We want residents’ ideas, their creativity, and their aspirations at the heart of this.”

A short questionnaire will be available to complete at the event. It will also be made available online for those unable to attend in person.

This is an opportunity to help shape a bid that reflects the town’s energy, pride, and potential and everyone is welcome.

So Wye not Ross to become the UK Town of Culture? The town’s story is inseparable from the River Wye. It shaped the town from the beginning, first as a place of trade and later as the inspiration for visitors drawn by its beauty.

The famous Wye Tour is widely seen as the birthplace of British tourism. The town also has a long and proud tradition of generosity and civic spirit, which continues today.

But there are many other reasons that could be included in Ross-on-Wye’s bid to become the UK Town of Culture in 2028.