Shortlist revealed for UK City of Culture 2025

Bradford, County Durham, Southampton and Wrexham County Borough have been unveiled as the four areas shortlisted to be UK City of Culture 2025.

The finalists were whittled down from a record 20 initial bids to a longlist of eight applications, which also included Cornwall, Derby, Stirling and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon. Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries approved the four locations based on independent advice made to the government by a panel of experts led by Sir Phil Redmond.

The eight longlisted bidders received, for the first time, a £40,000 grant to strengthen their applications. The unsuccessful areas will each receive detailed feedback on their bids.

All bids were asked to explain how they would use culture to grow and strengthen their local area, as well as how they would use culture to recover from the impact of the pandemic. Winning the title will help attract millions of pounds in additional investment to help boost regeneration, a year in the cultural spotlight with hundreds of events encouraging long-lasting participation in the arts, and growth for local tourism.

Arts Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said: “The UK City of Culture competition shows the important role that culture can play in levelling up our towns, cities and rural communities - bringing investment, great events, thousands of tourists, and opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds.

“We have seen a huge positive impact in this year’s host city, Coventry, with millions of pounds in investment and thousands of visitors. This has been a record year for bids, which is great to see. Congratulations to the four shortlisted places - I wish them all the best of luck.”

Coventry UK City of Culture 2021 has seen more than £172 million invested in funding music concerts, public art displays, the UK’s first permanent immersive digital art gallery, a new children’s play area in the centre of the city, the new Telegraph Hotel and improvements to public transport.