Ipswich looks for City of Culture bid over creative talents

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott said he has had conversations with relevant ministers, believing that the town has "phenomenal creative talents" and that should be showcased on the national stage.

This follows on from Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy declaring Ipswich as having the perfect "model" for grassroots music, highlighting local boy Ed Sheeran's success.

The City of Culture does not have to be an actual city - meaning Ipswich would be eligible to apply for 2029, when the next area is designated.

The City of Culture scheme is designed to recognise and celebrate the culture of communities and contribute to regeneration and cultural participation through a year-long programme.

Jack Abbott, right, met with culture minister Sir Chris Bryant, left, to discuss an early bid for the City of Culture (Image: Jack Abbott) Mr Abbott said: “Ipswich has an incredible arts and culture scene. Whether it is dance, theatre, grassroots music or even our football club, there is so much to be proud of.

“We have something special simmering away, and my job as an MP is to not only support this industry but to do everything I can to help take it to another level.

“That is why I met with the Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism, Sir Chris Bryant, last year to discuss our town’s cultural offering, and to make an early pitch for a City of Culture bid.

Mr Abbott has also met with other people like the CEO of Brighten the Corners, Joe Bailey (Image: Jack Abbott) “My understanding is that the nature of the competition and the bidding process could be different this year.

"However, I am clear that, when the time comes, the opportunity to provide a national stage for our phenomenal creative talents, and drive forward the regeneration of our town, is one we simply must grab with both hands.”

Earlier this month, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy spoke highly of Ipswich's grassroots music scene after Ed Sheeran's success (Image: Charlotte Bond) BSC Multicultural Society has held several festivals in Alexandra Park (Image: Tom Cann) Local councils are the bodies who make the bid to the government department for the City of Culture, with Bradford City Council having run a successful bid for 2025. The council believes can help generate £700million for the West Yorkshire city's economy.  

Wrexham County Borough Council and Derby City Council have announced their intention to bid for 2029, with East Lindsey, Boston, South Holland, Lincoln and North East Lincolnshire councils having discussed the possibility of working together for the same campaign.

A spokesperson for Ipswich Borough Council said: “We agree with the MP that Ipswich has an incredible arts and culture offer.

"But we won’t be commenting on a potential bid for City of Culture until the competition has been launched and a decision made on whether Ipswich should bid or not.”

Ipswich also hosts cultural events like the One Big Multicultural Festival (Image: Charlotte Bond) Jack Abbott wants Ipswich to be the UK's next City of Culture (Image: Jack Abbott) Previously, Ms Nandy had come to Ipswich with Mr Abbott to go to a surprise gig Ed Sheeran gig held at The Baths.

Hailing from Framlingham, Shape of You singer Sheeran's early career included performances at several small venues across Ipswich and wider Suffolk.

But he has never forgotten his roots.

In October 2022, he shocked Ipswich with a surprise performance on the steps of the Town Hall at the Cornhill.

Brighten the Corners had more than 70 artists perform in 2024 (Image: Tom Cann) Some 10,000 people attended Ipswich Music Day in 2024 (Image: Andrew Young) Murals were painted across town in 2024 (Image: Ipswich Society) A series of other cultural events have been held in town, including ones led by the BSC Multicultural Society, namely the One Big Multicultural Festival and events on the Cornhill. 

Brighten the Corners also holds an annual weekend of festivities with more than 70 artists performing in five stages across the town centre, while another music festival, Ipswich Music Day, is an annual highlight.

Some £100,000 was also spent in 2024 in association with Art Eat Events Community Interest Company and The Subversiv Collective to create murals across town and host several art workshops for young people.