Blackpool, Sheffield, Milton Keynes and Wrexham have been shortlisted for the UK City of Culture 2029 title. The four were chosen from a longlist of nine and each has been awarded £125,000 to further develop their bids ahead of the winner being announced next year.
The eventual winner will receive an additional £10 million to fund projects aimed at attracting tourists. Previous winners include Derry, Hull, Coventry and Bradford, which saw a boost in regeneration funding and a cultural spotlight that encouraged tourism and enhanced community pride.
Bradford's Success and Longlist Grants
Last year, Bradford held more than 6,500 events, of which 80 per cent were free, and secured capital investment for more than 30 local cultural organisations. The nine longlisted bidders were each given a £60,000 grant to strengthen their applications.
The Shortlisted Contenders
Blackpool is known across Britain as a seaside resort town welcoming tourists from all over the UK and beyond. Its landmark building, Blackpool Tower, houses a famous ballroom that has been featured on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.
Sheffield earned its fame as one of the cradles of the industrial revolution and became known for its high-quality steel. It is home to sporting clubs as well as the lesser-known Sheffield FC, the oldest independent club still playing football in the world.
Milton Keynes, while not having as long a history as other cities on the list, has become known as far away as Hollywood, serving as a stand-in for New York City in Superman 4: The Quest for Peace. Its layout is unique, being one of the new towns constructed following World War 2 to relieve housing congestion in London.
Wrexham is the only non-English city or town on the list and has a long history as a major centre of lead and coal mining. In recent years, the city has gained a global fanbase thanks to Wrexham AFC and its American actor owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.
Culture Secretary's Response
"Every place has a story worth telling of its own unique history, identity and contribution," said Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. "It has been amazing to see this year's bidders for UK City of Culture showcase what makes their community claim such a special place in our national story.
"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.
"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. I wish them the best of luck for the final stage of the competition.
"For all those places that have not made the shortlist, your journey does not end here. Their energy, enthusiasm and cultural contribution is seen and valued and the bids you have created will open up opportunities for years to come."
