Ipswich will officially submit its bid to become the next UK City of Culture in 2029 next month, but which other towns and cities will it be up against?
Back in January 2025, Ipswich MP Jack Abbott announced his intention to make Ipswich a City of Culture, which would give the town £10million to spend on culture in the town and rejuvenate the town.
Ipswich will have to battle it out against four other towns and cities in the UK for the prize, however, with Bristol, Plymouth, Wrexham and Portsmouth all announcing their intention to be the next City of Culture.
Wrexham ran a campaign to be the City of Culture in 2025, but missed out to Bradford.
Read more
-
Ipswich Star throws support behind the City of Culture bid as campaign launches
-
Ipswich could be left with 'lasting change' if it wins the 2029 City of Culture
-
Ipswich Town show support for City of Culture bid as event held at New Wolsey
Portsmouth previously ran for UK City of Culture 2017 in a joint bid alongside Southampton, but they were beaten by Hull.
This is the first time interest has been shown by Ipswich, Bristol and Plymouth for the prestigious title.
Past winners include Derry, Hull, Coventry and Bradford.
After the launch of an official #BackTheBid campaign, MP Jack Abbott 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."
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."
What's to come?
People are being asked to go to www.ipswich2029.com to sign up and show their support for 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.
Share