Blackpool, Ipswich, Milton Keynes among nine finalists for UK City of Culture 2029

---

A selection of nine cities have been announced as contenders for the UK City of Culture 2029 title, including Blackpool, Inverness-Highland, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, and Milton Keynes. The government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) revealed the longlist on Wednesday, which also features Portsmouth, Sheffield, Swindon, and Wrexham.

Each city on the list is set to receive £60,000 in funding—an increase from the £40,000 provided during the previous competition—to help develop a comprehensive bid. The ultimate winner, who will take over from Bradford, is expected to be named later this year and will be awarded £10 million to support a year dedicated to cultural events that highlight their unique local narratives and strengths.

Additionally, the top three runner-ups will be granted £125,000 each to continue advancing some of their cultural initiatives. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expressed her anticipation for the longlisted cities’ proposals and encouraged participation in the inaugural Town of Culture award, which is open until 31 March. She remarked, “For far too long, opportunity has not been shared equally across the country,” emphasizing that both competitions celebrate the valuable contributions communities make to the national cultural identity.

The selection panel, chaired by Sir Phil Redmond—known for his work on Grange Hill, Brookside, and Hollyoaks—chose the longlist. Sir Phil highlighted that the contest serves as a platform for cities to utilize culture as a tool for transformative change, fostering understanding and altering perceptions. Reflecting on previous winners like Derry-Londonderry, Hull, Coventry, and Bradford, he noted, “The competition brings people together, to talk to each other rather than at each other, sharing commonality and tolerating difference. Above all, allowing places to demonstrate their own pride in their places.

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More

---