How you can support Ipswich's bid for City of Culture 2029

The team behind the bid is inviting locals and visitors to contribute ideas and feedback to support its campaign, with a summer of community engagement activities now underway.

After making the longlist of nine places earlier this year, the team is now preparing its full submission, due on August 10.

To take part and show support for the campaign, visit ipswich2029.com and use #BackTheBid on social media.

The bid director, Amy Vaughan, is encouraging people of all ages to support Ipswich's bid for City of Culture (Image: Simply C Photography)

Amy Vaughan, bid director for Ipswich 2029, said: "The bid belongs to everyone in Ipswich and that means it has to be shaped by the people who live, work and grow up here.

"Whether you send us your ideas online in two minutes, fill out one of the more detailed questionnaires or drop in to a roadshow this summer, your views will make a real difference to what we put in front of the judges.

"The more voices, the stronger the bid."

Since last year, people across Ipswich have contributed ideas, time, and support to develop the proposal.

How can I get involved in Ipswich's bid for City of Culture 2029?

There are two main ways for locals to get stuck in. You can visit the ‘Get Involved’ section of the campaign website ipswich2029.com and send your ideas directly to the bid team in just a few minutes.

You can also attend in-person creative roadshows at community venues throughout the town.

These roadshows will be open to all ages and designed to gather ideas, stories, and feedback in a creative and accessible way.

Bid director Amy Vaughan says: "The more voices, the stronger the bid." (Image: Simply C Photography)

Alongside the public programme, the bid's local creative producers will be working directly with specific communities and groups across the town, including young people, schools, businesses and community organisations.

Four places will be shortlisted in the autumn, with each shortlisted place receiving £125,000 to develop its plans further.

The winner will be announced later this year.

Don't forget to visit ipswich2029.com and use #BackTheBid on social media.

Why is Ipswich bidding for City of Culture instead of Town?

Although Ipswich is a town, it is bidding on the City of Culture title. The Ipswich Bid team explains, saying: "With a population over 150,000, Ipswich is well beyond the 75,000 threshold for a large town and clearly meets the scale the programme is designed for.

"We have been advised to apply for City of Culture and believe it will deliver the greatest impact, investment and long-term benefit for Ipswich’s communities and cultural sector."