The four locations in the running to be UK City of Culture 2029
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Image caption, Blackpool is one of four shortlisted locations to be the next UK City of Culture
BySteven McIntosh and Ian Youngs
Blackpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham have been shortlisted to become the UK’s City of Culture in 2029.
The winning location will be announced in May and will be the fifth holder of the title – following Derry-Londonderry, Hull, Coventry and Bradford.
A different location is given the City of Culture title every four years. Each shortlisted city will now receive at least £125,000 from the government to do further work on their bid.
The eventual winner will receive £10m to deliver a year of cultural events and activities drawing on its “local strengths and stories”.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the shortlisted cities “have shown the pride that exists in their places with the incredible culture on their doorsteps”.
Three of the contenders are in England and one in Wales. They were chosen from a longlist of nine, which also included Inverness, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth and Swindon.
The shortlisted cities are:
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What is it known for? Its landmark Blackpool Tower, Pleasure Beach and Illuminations. It also hosts a major dance festival and an annual visit from Strictly Come Dancing. The Showtown museum celebrates Blackpool’s history as a showbiz and comedy hotspot.
What have they said? Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Blackpool has been entertaining people for generations, and now we have the chance to show the country exactly what our town is made of.”
She added: “Blackpool has never been a town that stands still. It is proud, working-class culture that has always been about bringing people together, having fun and making something happen.”
Milton Keynes
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What is it known for? Constructed in the 1960s and 70s, Milton Keynes is known for its US-style grid road system and numerous roundabouts. It is home to historic World War II codebreaking centre Bletchley Park, now a museum, and the National Bowl, an amphitheatre that has hosted concerts by Oasis, Queen and David Bowie.
What have they said? Milton Keynes’ bid described it as “a city built on imagination – a place where innovation, diversity and creativity thrive side by side”.
Councillor Jane Carr, leader of Milton Keynes City Council, said: “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.”
Sheffield
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What is it known for? The traditional centre of steel and cutlery manufacturing, Sheffield has since become known for musical exports like the Arctic Monkeys and Pulp, for its annual documentary film festival, and for the Crucible – one of the leading theatres outside London.
What have they said? The city’s bid put its spotlight on Sheffield’s “world-renowned creative heritage, as well as our ambitious future plans”.
Celebrating its place on the shortlist, councillor Fran Belbin, leader of the city council, said: “Sheffield is a city built on creativity, innovation and community spirit… Culture is part of who we are.”
Wrexham
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What is it known for? North Wales’s largest city was a powerhouse of the industrial revolution, and most recently hit the headlines when its historic football club Wrexham AFC was bought by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
What have they said? The bid said: “Our ambition is simple but bold: to make Wrexham the world’s most playful place.”
Joanna Knight OBE, chair of the Wrexham bid, styled as Wrecsam2029, explained: “There’s a real sense that something very special is happening here. Just imagine what becoming the first Welsh UK City of Culture could mean… the opportunities are enormous.”
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