Blackpool shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029

Summarised from 2 outlets · 8 reports · Updated 22 Oct, 01:03 · Archive

Blackpool has been shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029, competing against Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham for a £10 million prize.

Blackpool has been shortlisted for the UK City of Culture 2029 title, one of four locations still in contention. The other shortlisted places are Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham. These were chosen from a longlist of nine, which also included Inverness-Highland, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth and Swindon. The winner will receive a £10 million prize fund and benefits for investment, jobs and tourism.

Each shortlisted location is guaranteed at least £125,000 to help develop its bid ahead of the final decision in early 2027. The UK City of Culture programme uses culture as a catalyst for economic growth, community pride and regeneration. Previous winners include Derry-Londonderry, Hull, Coventry and Bradford.

Blackpool Council leader Councillor Lynn Williams said Blackpool had a unique cultural offer deserving national recognition. She highlighted the town's music, dance, comedy and entertainment heritage, including venues such as the Ballroom, Tower, Opera House and Grand Theatre, alongside festivals, fireworks and the Illuminations. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy congratulated all four shortlisted locations.

How it is being reported

• 'Blackpool the place the UK comes to play' - what we know about the resort's City of Culture 2029 bidAs Blackpool basks today in the fabulous news it has been shortlisted for City of Culture 2029 and is in the running to grab the £10M prize, The Gazette takes a closer look at our toen’s bid....Blackpool Gazette · 22 Oct, 00:08
• Blackpool has so much to be proud of, I’m glad we believed in our town, council leader on City of CultureAs Blackpool learns it has been shortlisted for City of Culture, Blackpool Council leader Councillor Lynn Williams talks why we should be proud of the resort and how she is glad she ‘believed in it’.Blackpool Gazette · 22 Oct, 00:08
• 'Making City of Culture 2029 shortlist is our chance to show the country what Blackpool is really capable of'Being crowned City of Culture would “showcase Blackpool to new audiences, inspire more people to visit, support local businesses and create lasting economic and social benefits for the town.”Blackpool Gazette · 22 Oct, 00:07
• Nowhere quite like Blackpool - Resort makes City of Culture 2029 shortlist and is in running for £10M prizeBlackpool is now one step closer to being crowned City of Culture 2029 and winning £10M prize.Blackpool Gazette · 22 Oct, 00:05
• 41 famous faces who have backed Blackpool for City of Culture 2029 title, from Charlie Adam to Steve BackshallBlackpool has officially been shortlisted for the City of Culture 2029!Blackpool Gazette · 22 Oct, 00:01
• 23 incredible cultural reasons why Blackpool should win £10m City of Culture 2029 after making shortlistBlackpool has officially made the shortlist!Blackpool Gazette · 22 Oct, 00:01
• I want Blackpool to be City of Culture because it would mean the country has woken up to how special it is“Blackpool is a gem within the UK.”Blackpool Gazette · 22 Oct, 00:01
• Blackpool shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029 with £10m prize on offerBlackpool has been shortlisted for the prestigious UK City of Culture 2029 title, putting the resort in line for a £10 million prize fund and a major boost.Lancashire Telegraph · 22 Oct, 00:01

In this story: Blackpool · Milton Keynes · Sheffield · Wrexham · Councillor Lynn Williams · Lisa Nandy · UK City of Culture

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