Wrexham has been named as one of four finalists in the competition to become UK City of Culture 2029, putting the North Wales city in contention for a £10 million prize and the opportunity to attract significant investment, visitors and economic activity.
Wrexham will compete against Blackpool, Milton Keynes and Sheffield for the prestigious title, with the winner due to be announced in early 2027.
The shortlist represents a major opportunity for Wales’s newest city to build on its growing national and international profile, using culture, heritage and creativity to support regeneration, tourism and wider economic development.
Each shortlisted location is guaranteed at least £125,000 to take forward elements of its bid, while the eventual winner will receive £10 million to support its year as UK City of Culture.
The competition, organised by the UK Government, is designed to demonstrate how cultural investment can stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, attract visitors and strengthen community pride.
For Wrexham, securing the title would provide an opportunity to showcase the city’s cultural identity while supporting its ambitions for investment and long-term economic development.
Joanna Knight OBE, Chair of the Wrecsam2029 bid, said:
“What an incredible moment for Wrexham! To be shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029 is fantastic news and something our whole community should be immensely proud of.
“We have such an extraordinary story to tell, and the ambition, creativity and passion to make 2029 something truly spectacular. The support we’ve had from people and organisations locally, nationally and internationally has been phenomenal, and 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 – not only for Wrexham, but for North Wales and the whole of Wales. The opportunities are enormous, and we’re determined to make the most of them.”
The UK City of Culture programme has previously demonstrated the potential economic and social benefits of major cultural investment.
Previous title holders, including Derry-Londonderry, Hull, Coventry and Bradford, have used the designation to support regeneration, attract additional investment, increase tourism and expand participation in cultural activities.
Bradford’s 2025 programme delivered more than 6,500 events, over 80% of which were free, and resulted in capital investment for more than 30 local cultural organisations. More than 88,000 residents participated in key projects during the year.
The experience of previous host cities illustrates the scale of opportunity available to Wrexham, particularly in developing its visitor economy, strengthening cultural infrastructure and creating new opportunities for local businesses.
Welsh Secretary of State Stephen Kinnock welcomed Wrexham’s inclusion on the shortlist.
“Huge congratulations to Wrexham on being shortlisted for the City of Culture 2029!
“Wales’s newest city has a huge amount to offer in heritage, culture and sport and I’d like to wish them every success with the next stage of their bid. Wrexham now has real chance to become Wales’s first City of Culture, bringing investment, more visitors and boosting pride in the community.”
Wrexham’s bid was selected from an initial longlist of nine locations by an expert advisory panel chaired by television producer Sir Phil Redmond.
The longlisted locations each received £60,000 to develop their applications, with the final four now progressing to the next stage of the competition.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the competition was intended to celebrate the distinctive identities of towns and cities while creating opportunities for communities to benefit from cultural investment.
The next stage will see Wrexham develop its proposals further as it seeks to demonstrate how the 2029 designation could deliver lasting benefits for residents, businesses and the wider North Wales economy.
For Wrexham, the opportunity extends beyond hosting a year of cultural events. A successful bid could provide a platform to attract new investment, strengthen the city’s tourism offer, support creative businesses and develop partnerships across the region.
Joanna Knight added:
“Wrexham is the right place and it’s the right time, and being shortlisted proves that others can see our potential too. Now we need everyone to get behind us, celebrate everything that makes this place so special and help us bring it home!”
The winning UK City of Culture 2029 location will be announced in early 2027.
