Swindon bids to become UK City of Culture 2029
Town’s creative organisations rally behind ambitious plans
Swindon has officially launched its ambitious bid to become UK City of Culture 2029, as arts and cultural organisations from across the area join forces to support the project. Led by Swindon Culture Collective in partnership with Swindon Borough Council, the intention to compete for the prestigious title was announced on 26th January at Create Studios in Swindon’s historic Carriage Works.
Representatives from Swindon’s artistic and cultural community, including local groups such as Swindon Music Service, Swindon Heritage Preservation, Wyvern Theatre, and Swindon Youth Voice, attended the event. Young producers from Signal Festival also shared their excitement, illustrating how the bid could positively impact future generations of creatives in Swindon.
H2 What the City of Culture title means
Past winners of the UK City of Culture title, including Derry/Londonderry, Hull, Coventry, and Bradford, have seen transformational benefits, from economic and social boosts to enhanced community pride. The programme is known to increase participation in the arts, inject significant investment, and attract tourism.
Swindon’s bid could secure up to £10m to deliver a year-long programme of arts, heritage, and culture that would strengthen the town’s cultural infrastructure and foster new collaborations across organisations and communities.
H2 Expanding Swindon’s cultural offering
Swindon’s cultural calendar continues to grow, with events such as Swinterfest, Swindon MELA, Festival of Tomorrow, and Swindon Paint Fest already in place. The town is also home to nationally recognised organisations including Create Studios, Prime Theatre, and Swindon Dance.
In 2022, Swindon Culture Collective CIC launched a two-year programme aimed at increasing cultural participation and inclusion in the area. Supported by £600,000 from Arts Council England’s National Lottery Place Partnership Fund, the campaign celebrates Swindon’s rich creative life.
Plans are also underway for a new town centre entertainment venue to replace the Wyvern Theatre, potentially hosting major West End touring productions, large-scale concerts, and significant events.
H2 A united effort
Dr Roderick Hebden, CEO of Swindon Culture Collective, emphasised that this is the ideal time for Swindon to make its mark, saying:
“As a town, we’re now recognised not just for the quality and diversity of our cultural offer, but for the way the whole town has come together to imagine our future together.”
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky highlighted how the bid would showcase Swindon’s heritage and identity, adding:
“Swindon is a town built by thinkers, makers, learners, and doers. Becoming UK City of Culture would give us the chance to celebrate who we are, tell new stories, and open possibilities for residents, businesses, and visitors.”
Swindon Borough Council and Swindon Culture Collective will continue to update the community as they work on the bid over the coming months. The Government is set to announce a longlist of contenders in March 2026.