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UK Opens Public Submissions for New ‘Living Heritage’ Inventory

Ministers cast the community-led stocktake as safeguarding culture with economic benefits.

Overview

  • Submissions are open until 27 March 2026 via livingheritage.unesco.org.uk, with guidance available for communities.
  • Entries must be led by practising groups and fit one of seven categories: Oral expressions, Performing Arts, Social Practices, Nature, Land and Spirituality, Crafts, Sports and Games, or Culinary Practices.
  • The scheme will produce separate inventories for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland that will combine into a single UK register.
  • The first inventories are slated for publication next summer following a public consultation and the UK’s ratification of UNESCO’s 2003 convention last year.
  • Officials stress inclusion of traditions introduced by immigrant communities and cite research showing over £15 billion in annual economic contribution in England, including more than £400 million from crafts.