Blackpool shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029

Blackpool has been shortlisted as one of the final four places to be named UK City of Culture 2029.

The resort is up against Wrexham, Sheffield and Milton Keynes to win the accolade.

Blackpool Council expressed an interest to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport back in January, before submitting a full bit, with support from Creative Blackpool, funded by Arts Council England, in August.

Almost 30,000 people from across the country, including celebrities and businesses, have joined the call for Blackpool to be awarded the title.

City of Culture judges will visit each of the four places before announcing a winner in the winter.

If successful, Blackpool would receive a £10m grant from the government towards a year long celebration of arts and culture. If unsuccessful, the town would receive £125,000 to take forward some elements of the bid.

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

“Being shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029 is a chance to celebrate everything that makes Blackpool what it is. Our music, dance, comedy and entertainment, the Ballroom, the Tower, the Opera House, the Grand Theatre; our bandstands, festivals, fireworks and Illuminations. It is in Rebellion, our community arts groups and theatres.

"It is in the traditions passed down through generations, but also in the new things that are shaping our culture today, from gaming and digital creativity to new music, art and performance. Blackpool has never been a town that stands still.

“We should be proud of that. 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.

“But this bid is about much more than celebrating our past. It is about our future, and particularly the future of our young people.

“City of Culture would bring new opportunities, jobs, investment and experiences, but it could also give our young people more reasons to believe in themselves, to develop their talents and to see a future for themselves here in Blackpool.

“The bid belongs to the people of Blackpool. It belongs to our performers, artists, musicians, dancers, community groups, businesses, volunteers and everyone who makes this town what it is.

“We now need the whole town behind it. We need people to get involved and show the judges why Blackpool is special.

"We have a unique culture, a huge heart and a story that deserves to be told. Now we have the chance to show the country exactly what Blackpool is capable of.” 

Adam Knight, chair of Creative Blackpool, said: “Our City of Culture year will reframe people’s expectations of Blackpool.

“With a playful and intelligent programme of events designed to surprise and excite everyone, our proud working class roots and resilient spirit will shine through bold new creative collaborations.

“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.”