Four locations shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029

Blackpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham have been shortlisted to become the UK’s City of Culture in 2029, with the winner due to be announced in May.

The four locations were selected from a longlist of nine. Each will receive at least £125,000 from the government to develop its bid; the eventual winner will get £10m to stage a year of cultural events and activities.

Three contenders are in England and one, Wrexham, is in Wales. If successful, Wrexham would become the first Welsh location to hold the title.

The competition runs every four years. The previous holders were Derry-Londonderry, Hull, Coventry and Bradford.

Blackpool’s bid draws on its entertainment heritage, including the Tower, Pleasure Beach and Illuminations. Milton Keynes points to its planned-city origins, Bletchley Park and the National Bowl. Sheffield highlights its industrial past, music and cultural venues, while Wrexham’s bid centres on its history and ambition to become “the world’s most playful place”.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the shortlisted locations had shown “the pride that exists in their places” and the culture on their doorsteps.