Milton Keynes shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029
Milton Keynes is one of four places shortlisted for the prestigious award
Milton Keynes has been named one of four finalists for UK City of Culture 2029, with hopes the title will boost jobs, tourism and community pride.
The city joins Blackpool, Sheffield and Wrexham on the shortlist, with the winner set to receive £10 million to invest in cultural activities and local communities.
Leader of Milton Keynes City Council Jane Carr said she was “absolutely thrilled” by the announcement, describing it as a huge honour.
“We’re going to shine like we’ve never shined before,” she said.
Each shortlisted place is guaranteed at least £125,000 to develop its bid. Milton Keynes will use the funding to prepare for judges’ visits in November and early December.
Ms Carr said winning would boost economic development, create jobs and bring communities together through activities ranging from dance, poetry and music to food, village fairs and dog shows.
“We have a very diverse community in the city,” she said.
“We have to remember that we have rural as well as urban art and culture, and we want to feature all of that.”
Ms Carr said Milton Keynes’ relatively young history sets it apart from previous winners, with the city keen to showcase its own identity rather than follow the regeneration-focused approach of other bids.
“We’re telling a story that’s slightly different, which is we are the fastest growing city in the country and we want to show how we’re delivering that because our culture offering is not the same as others,” she said.
She added: “We’ve had to develop our own identity and our own culture and that’s what the City of Culture will bring to us.”
The bid also presents an opportunity to prepare for future developments, including the anticipated arrival of Universal, while ensuring residents of all ages benefit from the city’s growth.
The council has already received ideas from businesses, cultural organisations, the music industry and residents.
Judges will visit Milton Keynes before a panel interview in January, with the overall winner expected to be announced in early 2027.
Previous winners, including Bradford, Hull and Coventry, have shown how the title can attract investment, boost tourism and expand access to cultural events.
Ms Carr said the ambition was to make Milton Keynes a destination city while strengthening community pride.
She added: “We have to do it together.”