Blackpool and Sheffield shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029

Blackpool and Sheffield have both made the four-place shortlist for UK City of Culture 2029, putting the two Northern places in direct competition for the title.

The Lancashire seaside town and the South Yorkshire city are up against Wrexham and Milton Keynes for the designation, which carries a £10m prize to stage a year of cultural events and activities.

All four finalists will receive at least £125,000 to develop parts of their bids. The winner will be announced in early 2027.

The two Northern contenders bring very different cultural identities. Blackpool is known for mass entertainment, dance and comedy, while Sheffield draws on its film and theatre industries, music heritage and independent arts scene.

Middlesbrough was on the nine-place longlist but did not progress, along with Inverness-Highland, Ipswich, Portsmouth and Swindon.

Blackpool

Blackpool’s bid is rooted in generations of entertainment, taking in the Tower Ballroom, its theatres and the Illuminations as well as festivals, community arts and new digital creativity.

The town has already been staging cultural events to build support for the bid.

Blackpool Council leader Councillor Lynn Williams MBE said: “Blackpool has been entertaining people for generations, and now we have the chance to show the country exactly what our town is made of.”

She pointed to the town’s music, dance and comedy, venues such as the Opera House and Grand Theatre, and gaming, digital creativity and new performance.

“It is proud, working-class culture that has always been about bringing people together, having fun and making something happen. We have always been a town that entertains the country, and there is nowhere quite like Blackpool,” she said.

Sheffield

Sheffield’s bid combines its music heritage with festivals, theatres, museums, galleries and grassroots creativity.

The city’s screen sector includes Sheffield DocFest, which earlier this year received £600,000 of audience development funding from the BFI.

Sheffield City Council leader Councillor Fran Belbin said: “Being shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029 is fantastic news for Sheffield and a proud moment for everyone who has helped shape our bid.

“Sheffield is a city built on creativity, innovation and community spirit. From our world-renowned music heritage and vibrant independent arts scene to our festivals, libraries, theatres, museums, galleries and grassroots creativity, culture is part of who we are.

“This recognition reflects the incredible talent, energy and ambition that exists across our city. We look forward to taking our bid to the next stage and continuing to showcase everything that makes Sheffield such a special place.”

Following Bradford and Hull

Both are hoping to follow Bradford, the 2025 title holder, and Hull, which won in 2017.

DCMS figures show Bradford’s year included over 6,500 events, more than 80% of them free, and led to capital investment in more than 30 local cultural organisations. The city has since set out plans to sustain that legacy, with backing for volunteering, cultural organisations and local artists.

Sir Phil Redmond chaired the expert advisory panel that recommended the shortlist. Bidders had to show how culture could transform their areas through growth, opportunity and civic pride.

Redmond said: “Once again there is a hard choice ahead. The four places on the shortlist continue to demonstrate both the variety and strength of creative ambition across the UK.”

Wrexham is bidding to become the first place in Wales to hold the title, while Milton Keynes is nearing its 60th anniversary.

Another competition, UK Town of Culture, is also running. Northern places on its shortlist include Grimsby, Birkenhead, Stockton Town Centre Ward and Rotherham.