The council is creating a new web site. You will find the essentials here and more information will be added in coming weeks.
Malton and Norton Join In Bid To Become The UK’s First Town Of Culture
A group has been set up in Malton and Norton to submit a bid to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s £3.5million competition to find the UK’s first Town of Culture.
Community views and ideas are now being invited to help shape the proposed cultural programme of activities. Everyone can share their thoughts by completing a short survey before 9th March 2026.
Mayor of Malton, Lindsay Burr MBE, said: “The Town of Culture competition is a perfect opportunity for us to work together to celebrate what makes our two towns special and to recognise the amazing cultural offer we already have. From heritage and history, to visual arts, music, performing arts and artisanal makers, we have an offer that deserves to be shouted about”.
Dinah Keal, Mayor of Norton on Derwent Town Council added: “Working together on this bid is going to prompt conversations about what Norton and Malton’s story is all about and what culture means to local people. No matter the outcome of the Town of Culture competition, these discussions are invaluable to our twin towns. Our cultural offer has grown massively in the last few years and we need to build on this to create an exciting and thriving future for Malton and Norton.”
The survey will be will help to build a picture of cultural activity and interests across Malton and Norton. Cultural and community organisations and businesses interested in being a part of the Town of Culture bid are encouraged to complete the survey and provide their contact details.
What is Town of Culture?
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport launched the Town of Culture competition in early 2026. The first stage is an Expression of Interest by 31st March. Shortlisted towns in each category will then receive £60,000 to help them design their full bid. The winning town will receive £3million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028. Two finalist towns receive £250,000 each.
Malton and Norton Town Councils have formed a steering group to develop this exciting opportunity to enter our towns under the small town (under 20,000 population) category. The two Town Councils are working together with Fitzwilliam Estate and representatives from local cultural organisations. North Yorkshire Council will support any credible bids by towns wishing to enter.
Contact for questions
Mrs Gail Cook, Clerk to Malton Town Council, Email: clerk@malton-tc.gov.uk
Mrs Claire Harrison, Clerk to Norton-on-Derwent Town Council,
Email: clerk@norton-on-derwent-tc.gov.uk
Link for the survey:- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MandNTownofCulture
Community Awards
A new scheme of community awards is being launched to recognise notable contributions to Norton life. The eligible candidates to be “local heroes” can be any of a voluntary organisation, a charity, a membership organisation or an individual. Four awards will be made – one in each of these categories:
Norton based Charity of the Year
Norton based Unsung Hero of the Year
Best Christmas display in Norton business window
Best Christmas display in Norton business window
You can download details along with the nomination form – please complete the form and pass it to Claire Harrison, our Town Clerk.
About Norton on Derwent Town Council
Norton on DerwentTown Council exists to serve the citizens living in the Parish of Norton on Derwent. It is the smallest level of local government. Despite much opposition, district councils were abolished. As a result, North Yorkshire Council is now the major local authority for the area. In addition, a Mayor has now been elected for the entire York and North Yorkshire region.
The 12 councillors, aided by a dedicated staff, seek to provide services that give benefit to the community. They also aim to be a bridge to North Yorkshire Council and the Mayor and to help people in their dealings with them.
In particular, North Yorkshire Council is required to consult Norton Council on planning applications. The council always seeks the best outcome for local people, and welcomes citizens’ views on planning applications.
Council meetings are held once a month, usually on the third Monday of each month. There are also occasional committee meetings for specific functions. You can find precise dates in our calendar. All meetings are open to the public (with few exceptions). The council encourages participation by citizens and welcomes attendance at meetings.
Election of councillors normally takes place every four years. The next election will be in 2027. The parish is divided into East and West wards, and each ward has six councillors. New candidates are encouraged to stand for election. Occasionally vacancies occur. Unless a poll is claimed, these are filled by co-option. Anyone over 18 and living in or near Norton is welcome to apply – contact the Town Clerk for more information.
Photo © Copyright Roger Cornfoot and licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence