Sheffield makes shortlist for UK City of Culture

Four bids from Blackpool Council, Wrexham County Council, Sheffield City Council, and Milton Keynes City Council are the last under consideration by the City of Culture Expert Advisory Panel, chaired by Grange Hill creator Sir Philip Redmond.

Claire McColgan, who was instrumental in Liverpool being named European Capital of Culture in 2008, is deputy chair.

Judges will now visit each of the four places before announcing a winner in May 2027. Whoever takes the crown in 2029 will receive £10m of arts and culture funding from government.

The previous winners of the accolade were Bradford in 2025, Coventry in 2021, Hull in 2017, and Derry-Londonderry in 2013.

For Blackpool, being named UK City of Culture could have a big impact on changing perceptions of the town, according to Adam Knight, chair of Creative Blackpool, which is leading on the bid.

“Our City of Culture year will reframe people’s expectations of Blackpool,” he said.

“Our famous welcome will be extended world-wide and will encourage people to take a second look at the potential of their own seaside towns and coastal communities.”

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Blackpool has never needed to be told how to put on a show. We’ve been entertaining people for generations, and now we have the chance to show the country exactly what our town is made of.”

If Sheffield were to win, it would be the second Yorkshire city in a row to be named City of Culture after Bradford in 2025.

Cllr Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council, 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.”

Joanna Knight, chair of the Wrecsam2029 bid, said being named the first Welsh UK City of Culture would be an “enormous” opportunity for the whole of the country.

“We have such an extraordinary story to tell, and the ambition, creativity, and passion to make 2029 something truly spectacular.

“Just imagine what becoming the first Welsh UK City of Culture could mean – not only for Wrexham, but for North Wales and the whole of Wales. The opportunities are enormous, and we’re determined to make the most of them.”

The shortlisted locations that did not make it through to the final four were Swindon, Portsmouth, Middlesborough, Ipswich, and Inverness.