UK City of Culture 2029: The four contenders in shortlist revealed

Blackpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham have made the final shortlist to be named the UK City of Culture for 2029.

According to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the four candidates will each be given at least £125,000 to develop their proposals for the chance to secure the title alongside a £10 million prize fund.

Bidding locations were asked to outline how cultural initiatives could act as a catalyst to transform their area and enrich community life by fostering growth, opportunities and pride.

The designation is awarded every four years and is presently held by Bradford.

The shortlist was recommended by the UK City of Culture expert advisory panel, which is chaired by Brookside and Hollyoaks creator Sir Phil Redmond.

Sir Phil said: “Once again there is a hard choice ahead.

“The four places on the shortlist continue to demonstrate both the variety and strength of creative ambition across the UK.

“Each place represents a different view, or aspect, epitomising what culture is, the sum of all we do together, and while each approaches it differently, they all share the common aim of reminding the rest of the UK of who they are, where they are and why they are worth visiting.

“I look forward to doing that myself, along with the rest of the Advisory Panel in the near future.”

The competition is part of the Government’s drive to boost pride in every part of the country and encourage economic growth.

According to the DCMS, the cultural spotlight helped attract millions of pounds in additional investment and boosted regeneration among previous winning cities including, Derry-Londonderry, Hull and Coventry.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Every place has a story worth telling of its own unique history, identity and contribution.

“Great culture is everywhere, but the opportunity to showcase it, to put it on display and to show how it is woven into our national story is not.

“That is the beauty of the UK City of Culture competition, it is an undiluted celebration of what makes our largest towns and cities so brilliant.”

Last year, Bradford led a cultural programme of over 6,500 events, over 80% of which were free, that resulted in capital investment for more than 30 local cultural organisations.

The DCMS said it also led to increased opportunities for local people to get involved with events, with over 88,000 residents taking part in key projects throughout the year.

Ms Nandy continued: “Congratulations to Blackpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham on making the shortlist.

“They are proud of their incredible culture, and they are right to be.”

The UK City of Culture 2029 winner will be announced in early 2027.