Swindon falls short in bid for UK City of Culture 2029

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 22 Oct, 11:33 · Archive

Swindon has not been shortlisted for the UK City of Culture 2029 prize worth £10 million.

Swindon has not progressed to the shortlist for the UK City of Culture 2029. The four locations selected to continue competing for the title and £10 million prize fund are Blackpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham. Swindon was one of nine places initially longlisted and has now missed out on receiving at least £125,000 from the government to develop its bid further.

The town's campaign, developed by Swindon Culture Collective and the council, involved 60 engagement events and thousands of residents contributing ideas through postcards, pop-up events, festivals and online channels. Entrants were asked to explain how they would use culture as a catalyst to transform their place and the lives of communities.

Swindon Borough Council said the town remains determined to build on the work completed during the campaign. Councillor Matthew Vallender, the council's cabinet member for culture, planning and regeneration, said: 'Naturally, we're disappointed not to progress further, but this isn't the end of our ambition. Swindon was one of just nine places across the country to make the longlist and we should be incredibly proud of that.' Gary Sumner, leader of Swindon Borough Council, told BBC Radio Wiltshire that officials 'would learn from this' to improve their bid in the future. The UK City of Culture title is awarded every four years and is currently held by Bradford.

Swindon falls short in bid for UK City of Culture 2029 — Image: BBC Wiltshire

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How it is being reported

Swindon misses out on City of Culture shortlistThe town has not been selected for the next stage, with four other locations making the shortlist.BBC Wiltshire · 22 Oct, 11:10
Swindon must be 'unapologetically ambitious' after failed City of Culture bidSwindon's councillors say the town is "determined to build" after narrowly missing out on the UK City of Culture £10 million prize.Swindon Advertiser · 22 Oct, 07:57
Swindon's bid for £10m culture prize-pot falls shortSwindon has fallen short in its bid to be named the UK’s City of Culture 2029.Swindon Advertiser · 22 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Swindon · Blackpool · Milton Keynes · Sheffield · Wrexham · Swindon Borough Council · Swindon Culture Collective

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