Nine places across the UK have been shortlisted in an exciting race to become UK City of Culture 2029 – a competition that continues to drive investment, pride and opportunity in communities nationwide.
The longlisted locations:
- Blackpool
- Inverness and the Highland area
- Ipswich
- Middlesbrough
- Milton Keynes
- Portsmouth
- Sheffield
- Swindon
- Wrexham
Each candidate will now each receive £60,000 in funding to develop their bids further.
At stake is a major prize: the winning location will secure £10 million to deliver a year-long cultural celebration, showcasing local talent, creativity and heritage on a national stage.
But the benefits go far beyond the winner. Previous City of Culture hosts have seen millions of visitors, new jobs, and long-term regeneration, proving that simply taking part can transform a place’s future.
The competition is also about unlocking potential across the UK. With over 230 towns already expressing interest in the newly launched UK Town of Culture initiative, it’s clear that culture is becoming a powerful driver of growth, identity and community pride nationwide.
Past winners like Coventry and Bradford have shown what’s possible – delivering thousands of events, attracting millions of attendees, and boosting local economies while giving residents a renewed sense of pride in where they live.
Now, the spotlight turns to the final stages of the 2029 competition. As these nine places refine their visions, the UK once again demonstrates how culture can be a catalyst for opportunity, creativity and lasting change.
With investment, innovation and community spirit at its heart, the race for UK City of Culture 2029 is more than a title – it’s a chance to put Britain’s towns and cities firmly in the global cultural spotlight.
