Ipswich on longlist for City of Culture 2029 prize

The government has awarded the town £60,000 to develop its bid and will compete against other bids from Blackpool, Inverness-Highland, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Swindon and Wrexham.

The City of Culture title could see Ipswich left with lasting change with a potential huge amount of investment into the town's thriving arts, music, dance and festival scene.

Ed Sheeran's three homecoming shows last year proved Ipswich can and should host major events (Image: Oli Picton)

It would keep the title of City of Culture for the whole year, but the Government says "the benefits for places extend well beyond their title year, leading to a lasting legacy of social, cultural, and economic change."

In February, an expression of interest outlining key proposals was submitted by DanceEast with Ipswich being successful in having this accepted by the government.

Bryony Hope, Head of Communications and Development at DanceEast said: "Being named on the longlist for UK City of Culture 2029 is an important moment for Ipswich and recognition of the ambition that exists here.

Bryony Hope, head of communications and development at DanceEast and Ipswich MP Jack Abbott (Image: Lucy Taylor)

"The bid has been shaped by genuine partnership, collaboration and leadership - from Ipswich Borough Council and cultural organisations through to businesses, community organisations, residents, children and young people, and Ipswich Town Football Club.

"We are all united by a shared belief in the role that culture can play in strengthening communities and supporting our shared future.

"We see every day how creativity brings people together, builds confidence and opens opportunities for people of all ages. Ensuring that the next generation can access and shape culture in Ipswich is a central part of the vision behind the bid. 

Creative leaders from across the town, Ipswich Borough Council, MP for Ipswich Jack Abbott and this newspaper have all backed the bid (Image: Lucy Taylor)

"We are proud to see Ipswich recognised nationally and we welcome the opportunity to build on this momentum. Our focus now is on working with partners and young people across Ipswich, our region, nationally and internationally, to develop the strongest possible case to become UK City of Culture 2029.”

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott has been a supporter of the City of Culture bid and believes that winning could help transform the town, he said: “This is fantastic news for Ipswich and a huge moment for everyone who has worked so hard to get us here.

"Being longlisted in this highly competitive national competition shows the strength of this town’s story and the talent, creativity and ambition that exists here.

Ipswich has a fantastic array of grassroots festivals that celebrate its art and culture scene (Image: Tom Cann)

“This bid has always been about the future of the town. It is about unlocking investment, creating opportunities for young people and showing the rest of the country what Ipswich is capable of. The hard work continues, but today is a real milestone and something the whole town can be proud of."

The bid has seen widespread support across the town with businesses, community leaders, creative organisations backing the chance for Ipswich to be left with "a lasting legacy of social, cultural, and economic change".

This newspaper launched a backing campaign coinciding with the 'Back the Bid' launch in January but has been supporting the town's City of Culture bid since 2024.

Reporters from the Ipswich Star with Bryony Hope and Jack Abbott (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Read more

• Tories and Reform back Ipswich City of Culture bid
• 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 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
• Ipswich Star is backing the town's UK City of Culture bid

The full longlist was recommended by an independent expert advisory panel, chaired by Sir Phil Redmond and supported by deputy chair, Claire McColgan.

All longlisted places will receive £60,000 to finalise their bids with four bids being moved onto the shortlist.

The three runners-up will all receive £125,000 each to help them to take forward elements of their bid with the winner receiving £10million which will be announced in late 2026.

How can Ipswich apply if it not a City?

Prior to the 2025 edition, only cities were available to put a case forward, but this criteria was changed allowing Ipswich to put together an expression of interest for the next edition in 2029.

The title only lasts for a year and is not the same as city status, which would require a different bidding process and royal approval.

What sort of culture can Ipswich celebrate?

The City of Culture prize could see the town build on its already celebrated culture such as the wide-range of festivals, markets and events, award-winning theatres, grass-roots music venues, historic landmarks, iconic football stadium and team and highly thought of restaurants and pubs.