Sheffield makes final 4 shortlist for UK City of Culture 2029
It'll compete with Milton Keynes, Blackpool, and Wrexham for the prize
Sheffield, Milton Keynes, Blackpool, and Wrexham have today been revealed as the four places shortlisted to be UK City of Culture 2029.
These places are now in the running for the prestigious title that will unlock significant benefits for their local communities, such as increased investment, more access to cultural activities, and job creation.
This competition supports a key part of the government's drive to boost pride in every part of the country and ensure every town and city benefits from economic growth by devolving more power, funding and decision-making to local leaders alongside the pride in place programme.
Each shortlisted place is now guaranteed to receive at least £125,000 to take forward elements of their bid, with one place ultimately going on to take the title and a prize fund of £10 million.
The four locations were recommended by the UK City of Culture expert advisory panel, chaired by Sir Phil Redmond. The shortlist was whittled down from nine outstanding longlist applications which also included Inverness-Highland, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth and Swindon.
As part of their bids, places were asked to explain how they would use culture as a catalyst to transform their place and the lives of communities through boosting growth, opportunities and pride.