Exeter and Plymouth miss out on UK City of Culture 2029 shortlist
Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Blackpool among finalists
Exeter and Plymouth have not made the shortlist for the UK City of Culture 2029, as Milton Keynes, Sheffield, and Blackpool emerge as finalists.
Other locations on the longlist include Inverness-Highland, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth, Swindon, and Wrexham, all vying to succeed Bradford in 2025.
Despite missing out, the shortlisted contenders will each receive £60,000 from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to develop their complete bids.
For 2029, the UK City of Culture winner will receive a £10 million prize to support a year of cultural activities, while three others will earn £125,000 for aspects of their proposals.
The decision to establish the first Town of Culture in 2028 alongside the City of Culture selection recognizes significant cultural contributions from communities throughout the UK, according to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.
An independent panel, chaired by Sir Phil Redmond, who is known for creating Brookside, Grange Hill, and Hollyoaks, chose the locations on the longlist.
Sir Phil Redmond said the competition uses culture as a "creative catalyst for change, raising awareness and changing perceptions."
More than 230 towns have expressed interest in competing for the UK's first Town of Culture, and Lisa Nandy has encouraged others to apply before the deadline at the end of March.
"It's a chance to show the country what makes them unique and shine a spotlight on their cultural offer, enriching the lives of local people," she said.