The Ipswich Star is backing the town to become the next UK's City of Culture in 2029 as a campaign has launched with just a month to go before the official bid is submitted.
By February 8, Ipswich must submit its bid to be a City of Culture, with the #BackTheBid campaign launching, urging residents, businesses and organisations to show their support.
The campaign is a call to people across Ipswich to sign up, get involved and demonstrate the strength of local backing behind the town's cultural vision and ambition for the future.
Engagement with young people and widespread public support will be a key part of the final submission, demonstrating that the bid is about the whole town coming together to celebrate everything that makes Ipswich unique and special.
Signing up will also give people access to updates and engagement opportunities, as well as the chance to share ideas for both the bid itself and a long-term vision for culture in Ipswich.
DanceEast is leading the development of Ipswich’s ‘Expression of Interest’ (EOI) for the 2029 City of Culture competition.
Anthony Missen, chief executive & creative director of DanceEast said: “We want this EOI to reflect culture in its widest sense and embrace all the diverse ways people come together to live, play and connect in Ipswich.
"But to do that, local people - and especially young people - need to be at the heart of shaping our plans.
"That’s why we’re asking as many people as possible to sign up and become part of #TeamIpswich2029 and show the world what Ipswich can achieve when we come together."
Jack Abbott MP has been leading the charge for the town's bid. He said: "This is Ipswich’s regeneration project.
"It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock investment, jobs and opportunities for the next generation, while also attracting visitors and boosting the local economy.
"I’m proud to support it and encourage people across Ipswich to back the bid and be part of something truly special."
Previously, Mr Abbott announced his intention to make Ipswich a City of Culture last January, with the town having "phenomenal creative talents" which should be showcased on a national stage.
Read more
-
Ipswich Town show support for City of Culture bid as event held at New Wolsey
-
Creative leaders brought together by Ipswich MP for City of Culture status bid
-
Ipswich could be left with 'lasting change' if it wins the 2029 City of Culture
Further Ipswich figureheads have shown their support for the bid over the last 12 months.
Lee Walker, chief executive of Ipswich Central, said: "Becoming the City of Culture would be transformational, for our economy, for our communities and for how the town is perceived across the UK and internationally.
"The #BackTheBid campaign is about demonstrating unity and pride, and I urge everyone who cares about Ipswich and the future of the town to get involved."
Neil MacDonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, added: "This City of Culture bid belongs to the people of Ipswich. It’s about confidence in our town, belief in our creativity and ambition for our future.
"With just one month to go, the #BackTheBid campaign is a chance for everyone - residents, businesses and communities - to come together, show their pride and help us make the strongest possible case for Ipswich."
Read more
-
City of Culture status could 'transform' Ipswich say creative leaders
-
One Suffolk would support bid for Ipswich to become next City of Culture
-
'Once-in-a-generation opportunity' - Jack Abbott launches City of Culture bid
Ipswich Town Chairman, Mark Ashton, said: “As a club we are proud to be supporting Ipswich’s bid to become the UK City of Culture.
"The bid is about celebrating everything that’s good about our town and shining a light on the many successes and areas of life which bring us all together, while also using it as a way of showcasing the ambition we all hold for Ipswich.
What's to come?
People are being asked to go to www.ipswich2029.com to sign up and show their support to the bid.
Ipswich's official bid must be in by February 8, 2026 with the longlisted places announced in late March.
Longlisted places will then make their full application from April 2026, with a deadline during the summer.
Shortlisted places are then announced in autumn 2026, with a panel visit also during the autumn.
The winner will then be announced in winter 2026.
The winner will be granted £10million and will become UK City of Culture in 2029.
Thus far, contenders include Wrexham and Portsmouth.
