Portsmouth fails to make City of Culture 2029 shortlist

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 06:32 · Archive

Portsmouth has not been shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029, despite celebrating 100 years of city status.

Portsmouth has missed out on the UK City of Culture 2029 shortlist in the year it celebrates its centenary. The city was one of nine places on the longlist, but Blackpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham have been picked to compete for the title and £10m prize.

Portsmouth North's MP Amanda Martin said she was 'absolutely gutted', adding that everyone in the city 'works so hard'. Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said he was 'bitterly disappointed', but insisted the loss would not prevent culture from being a priority. 'It's lovely to have titles and accolades,' he said, 'but it doesn't mean we're going to stop being who we are.'

Culture Minister Stephanie Peacock said the field had been 'such a competitive' one and the shortlisted locations all had 'something unique to offer'. All unsuccessful bidders will receive feedback, with the winner to be announced early next year. The news comes days before a free exhibition marking Portsmouth's centenary opens at Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery on Monday.

Portsmouth fails to make City of Culture 2029 shortlist — Image: BBC Hampshire

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How it is being reported

Portsmouth misses out on City of Culture shortlistPortsmouth fails to make the shortlist in the year it celebrates 100 years of city status.BBC Hampshire · 22 Oct, 06:07
“Disappointed beyond words” Heartbreak as Portsmouth fails to be shortlisted in City of Culture bidThe shortlist for City of Culture 2029 has been revealedThe News, Portsmouth · 22 Oct, 00:01

In this story: Portsmouth · Blackpool · Milton Keynes · Sheffield · Wrexham · Amanda Martin · Steve Pitt · Stephanie Peacock

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