Nine bids from across Norfolk and Suffolk have taken the next step to become the UK's first Town of Culture.

Communities hoping to secure the prestigious title have submitted digital postcards to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), highlighting everything from seaside heritage and market-town charm to thriving art scenes and community spirit.

The postcards are now featured on the official UK Town of Culture 2028 digital map, giving towns a chance to showcase what makes them unique as judges consider the next stage of the competition.

Among the contenders is the Waveney Valley bid, which has brought together six communities across the Norfolk/Suffolk border under the banner "Six Towns. One Heart".

Bungay is included in the joint Waveney Valley bid (Image: NQ Staff)

The partnership includes Beccles, Bungay, Diss, Eye, Halesworth and Harleston, with cultural organisations including The Corn Hall in Diss, The Cut in Halesworth, Beccles Public Hall, and Bungay's Fisher Theatre backing the bid.

In its postcard submission, the bid said: "From vibrant market towns to riverside communities, from historic venues to bold new ideas – the Waveney Valley is alive........

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