Ipswich leaders brought together for City of Culture bid

More than 20 creatives from across the town's arts and culture sector were joined by Jack Abbott MP at St Stephen's Church earlier this month for the first formalised discussion. 

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

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott with leaders from the town's creative industry (Image: Office of Jack Abbott) An applicant does not have to be officially listed as a city, meaning that Ipswich would be eligible for a bid in 2029. 

Mr Abbott has been a huge supporter of a City of Culture bid and organised the meeting those behind so many of the town's events. 

He said: "Ipswich’s arts and culture scene is not simply simmering away anymore – it has reached boiling point. Seeing all the talent packed in to St Stephen’s Church to support a City of Culture bid shows exactly why.

MP for Ipswich Jack Abbott and leader of Ipswich Borough Council Neil McDonald (Image: Newsquest)

“Over the summer, it has felt like we have had a fantastic event almost every weekend in town - from the hat-trick of Ed Sheeran gigs to the Brighten the Corners festival, with so much more besides, from theatre to dance and from music to art. I don’t want these to just be one-offs. I want them to be the new normal for Ipswich.

“My role as an MP is to help showcase and bring together these talented and inspiration people and organisations. City of Culture status would really help us fulfil the incredible potential we have.

This year's Brighten the Corners Festival saw thousands attend events across the town (Image: Tom Cann)

“If a City of Culture competition is launched, we have to be ready, as the opportunity to continue the regeneration of our town is one we must seize with both hands. The appetite for a bid is widespread, and I hope that we can really start to build on this first conversation over the coming months.”

A bid would be supported by Ipswich Borough Council, Neil Macdonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, saying: “Ipswich’s arts and culture scene is the pride of our town.

"A City of Culture bid wouldn’t just be long-overdue national recognition for our local scene but would also offer the platform to take it to the next level.

“And its benefits would reach far beyond just the creative industries. A City of Culture bid would help put our town on the map, attract more investment into local businesses and restore local pride of place.”