Swindon competes for the UK City of Culture 2029 title
Town is among nine contenders vying for the prestigious accolade
Swindon is in the running for the UK City of Culture 2029, competing with eight other towns and cities for the honour.
The town's place on the official longlist allows it to host cultural and artistic activities if it wins the prestigious title.
As part of the initial success, Swindon will receive £60,000 from the government to aid in developing its bid for the next stage.
Swindon joins Sheffield, Inverness, Wrexham, Blackpool, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, and Portsmouth in the contest for a finalist spot.
Four cities will be shortlisted to continue their pursuit, with the winner to be announced by the end of 2023.
Shortlisted contenders typically secure £125,000 to enhance their bids, and the ultimate winner receives a £10m grant to fund its cultural programme.
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, cabinet member for placemaking in Swindon, expressed delight over their achievement.
"Being longlisted for UK City of Culture is an extraordinary moment for Swindon," Strinkovsky said.
"It recognises the imagination, talent and determination that have always defined our town... I couldn't be prouder of what we've achieved together, and I'm excited to hear if we get shortlisted."
Sir Phil Redmond, chairman of the City of Culture Expert Advisory Panel, noted the competition's role in showcasing cultural vibrancy across the UK.
"The UK City of Culture competition is providing bidders the opportunity to both demonstrate and experience a focused year, using culture as the creative catalyst for change," Redmond said.
"The competition brings people together, to talk to each other rather than at each other, sharing commonality and tolerating difference."
The shortlist will be revealed in autumn this year.