Ipswich is still in the running to become City of Culture 2029
Nine places have been longlisted to be the next UK City of Culture in 2029
Ipswich has been named among nine UK locations longlisted for the UK City of Culture 2029 title.
Ipswich joins Blackpool, Inverness-Highland, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Swindon, and Wrexham in the competition announced by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Each place on the longlist will receive £60,000 to develop a full application, with the winner securing a £10 million prize to deliver a dynamic cultural program in 2029.
Bryony Hope, Head of Communications and Development at DanceEast in Ipswich, expressed pride in making the longlist.
"Being named on the longlist for UK City of Culture 2029 is an important moment for Ipswich and recognition of the ambition that exists here.
"The bid has been shaped by genuine partnership, collaboration and leadership - from Ipswich Borough Council and cultural organisations through to businesses, community organisations, residents, children and young people, and Ipswich Town Football Club.
"We are all united by a shared belief in the role that culture can play in strengthening communities and supporting our shared future."
As part of the Prime Minister's ambition to restore pride across Britain, the competition encourages local investment and is expected to bring transformative benefits, including cultural participation and economic regeneration, to the winning city.
The announcement coincides with over 230 towns registering interest in the inaugural UK Town of Culture competition, which will close for entries on 31st March 2026.