Wrexham reaches final shortlist for UK City of Culture 2029
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Wrexham has reached the final shortlist for UK City of Culture 2029, alongside Blackpool, Sheffield and Milton Keynes. Wrexham Council confirmed the shortlist place on Thursday 22 October. The bid is led by the Wrexham Community & Culture Trust, with council and community backing.
The competition
- Winning place
- £10 million
- Each runner-up
- £125,000
What the winner receives
The UK Government’s competition guidance guarantees £10 million for the winning place to deliver its programme. It also provides £125,000 for each of the three runners-up to take forward parts of their bids. The shortlist announcement does not mean Wrexham has won the title or secured the winner’s funding.
The next decision
The council expects the final result in December or January. It says Wrexham would become the first Welsh winner if selected. The council estimates the potential economic impact at more than £200 million. That is a projection associated with winning, rather than funding already awarded or a guaranteed return. Council leader Mark Pritchard welcomed the shortlist place while pointing to continuing challenges around opportunities and inequality.
Background and supporting figures
Where this sits
Shortlist success is distinct from winning the title and its £10million award.
Council projected£200million economicimpact is not the same as the DCMS£10millionprize.