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UK City of Culture 2029 Competition Launch and UK Town of Culture Competition
03 November 2025
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement launches the UK City of Culture 2029 competition and introduces a new UK Town of Culture competition for 2028.
Action Requested
Places are invited to submit Expressions of Interest to become the next UK City of Culture, with prize money of £10 million for the winner. Additionally, towns can apply for the UK Town of Culture competition, with a prize fund of £3.5 million for the winning town.
Key Facts
- The UK City of Culture programme aims to boost civic pride and community cohesion through cultural investment.
- Bradford (the current titleholder) has engaged over one million people in its first six months.
- Over £1 billion additional investment has been stimulated by past UK City of Culture programmes.
- More than 70% of attendees feel a greater sense of pride after attending events.
- Bidding places will receive bid development funds and support from the competition criteria refresh.
- The competition is open to large towns, cities, regions, and groupings with a clear focus and identity.
- Applications for UK Town of Culture will open shortly, offering £60,000 in bid development funding per shortlisted town.
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