Sheffield in contention to become the UK's next city of culture
The steel city has been added to a shortlist featuring a total of 9 locations
Nine areas have been shortlisted to be the next UK City of Culture in 2029 - including Sheffield.
The winners will receive up to 10 million pounds of government funding.
Winning this title will have enormous benefits for local communities, with previous hosts attracting millions of pounds in additional investment and thousands of visitors to their area, as well as generating new jobs.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:
“For far too long, opportunity has not been shared equally across the country. The UK City of Culture and new UK Town of Culture competitions recognise the enormous contributions made by communities all over the UK who are all part of the story of who we are as a nation.
“I look forward to seeing what the nine longlisted places have in store as they progress in the competition. I also urge any towns thinking about entering the UK Town of Culture competition to seize this opportunity and get involved. 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.”
The Leader of Sheffield City Council - Tom Hunt - said:
“We’re incredibly proud that Sheffield has been longlisted for UK City of Culture 2029. This city has always been powered by creativity – seen in our globally influential music, film, games and art. We don’t just put culture on a stage, we live it, make it and share it with the world. Grown from the ground up, it’s shaped by the people who call Sheffield home.
"Culture isn’t separate from how Sheffield grows, it’s part of how we build a stronger, more confident city. It brings people in, creates jobs, supports our independent businesses, and helps talent choose to stay and build their future here.
"This is a brilliant moment for our city and a chance to show the confidence, creativity and ambition that defines Sheffield today.”
Sheffield will now get 60 thousand pounds to develop a full application.
It'll go up against the likes of Blackpool, Inverness-Highland, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Swindon and Wrexham.