Blackpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham have been shortlisted for UK City of City 2029.

The winning city will unlock significant benefits for their local communities, such as increased investment, more access to cultural activities, and job creation.

The competition represents the government’s drive to boost pride in every part of the country and ensure every town and city benefits from economic growth by devolving more power, funding and decision-making to local leaders alongside the pride in place programme.

Each of the shortlisted places will receive at least £125,000 to take forward elements of their bid, with one place ultimately going on to take the title and a prize fund of £10 million.

The four cities were chosen by the UK City of Culture expert advisory panel, chaired by Sir Phil Redmond. Cities on the longlist that didn't make the shortlist include Inverness-Highland, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth and Swindon.

While bidding, places were asked to explain how they would use culture as a catalyst to transform their place and the lives of communities through boosting growth, opportunities and pride.

The winner will be announced in early 2027.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "Every place has a story worth telling of its own unique history, identity and contribution. It has been amazing to see this year’s bidders for UK City of Culture showcase what makes their community claim such a special place in our national story. Great culture is everywhere, but the opportunity to showcase it, to put it on display and to show how it is woven into our national story is not.

"That is the beauty of the UK City of Culture competition, it is an undiluted celebration of what makes our largest towns and cities so brilliant.

"Congratulations to Blackpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham on making the shortlist. They are proud of their incredible culture, and they are right to be. I wish them the best of luck for the final stage of the competition.  

"For all those places that have not made the shortlist, your journey does not end here. Their energy, enthusiasm and cultural contribution is seen and valued and the bids you have created will open up opportunities for years to come."

Sir Phil Redmond, Chair of the UK City of Culture Expert Advisory Panel, said: "Once again there is a hard choice ahead. The four places on the shortlist continue to demonstrate both the variety and strength of creative ambition across the UK.

"Each place represents a different view, or aspect, epitomising what culture is, the sum of all we do together, and while each approaches it differently, they all share the common aim of reminding the rest of the UK of who they are, where they are and why they are worth visiting.

"I look forward to doing that myself, along with the rest of the Advisory Panel in the near future."