Milton Keynes has been shortlisted to be UK City of Culture 2029 alongside Blackpool, Sheffield and Wrexham.
The UK City of Culture is the UK’s most prestigious cultural title, celebrating places that use culture and creativity to transform communities, attract visitors and create lasting social and economic impact.
In response to the news, Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, Councillor Jane Carr said:
“I’d like to congratulate our fellow UK City of Culture 2029 shortlisted cities, Blackpool, Sheffield and Wrexham. This is a huge honour and a tribute to the hard work and vision of everyone who has helped to shape Milton Keynes‘ bid.
The last nine months have been nothing short of inspiring. Thousands of residents, organisations and the creative community came together to develop our bid. They all have a strength of belief in the creative and cultural future of our city, and we’re looking forward to sharing this momentum and spirit of optimism with the UK City of Culture judges.
We’re now on the cusp of the 60th anniversary of our founding and have so much to look forward to during this landmark year and beyond. Whoever is announced as the winner in January, we will enter our 60th year with our heads held high and know that – as our bid sets out – we’re just getting started.”
The investment generated by winning, including a formal £10 million prize, can massively strengthen a winning city’s creativity and culture. In Hull (2017) more than 90% of local people took part in a cultural event during the year, and in Bradford (2025) around 7,000 new jobs were created, as well as a brand-new performance venue.
All shortlisted cities will each receive £125,000 to help take forward elements of the bid.
An independent panel of judges will now visit all shortlisted cities, and the UK’s City of Culture for 2029 will be announced in early 2027, as Milton Keynes begins creative celebrations for its 60th year.
Read more about the city’s bid HERE
       
       
