Alistair Hardaker
Each shortlisted place receives at least £125,000 to develop bids, with the eventual winner taking a £10m prize fund.
Competition a key part of the government’s drive to boost pride and economic growth across the country
Blackpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham have been revealed as the four places shortlisted to be UK City of Culture 2029.
The winner, UK City of Culture 2029, will be announced early next year, said DCMS.
Each shortlisted place is now guaranteed to receive at least £125,000 to take forward elements of their bid, with one place ultimately going on to take the title and a prize fund of £10m.
The four locations were recommended by the UK City of Culture expert advisory panel, chaired by Sir Phil Redmond.
Redmond said: “Each place represents a different view, or aspect, epitomising what culture is, the sum of all we do together, and while each approaches it differently, they all share the common aim of reminding the rest of the UK of who they are, where they are and why they are worth visiting.”
As part of their bids, places were asked to explain how they would use culture as a catalyst to transform their place and the lives of communities through boosting growth, opportunities and pride.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said of the shortlist: “They are proud of their incredible culture, and they are right to be. I wish them the best of luck for the final stage of the competition. “
