Blackpool has been long-listed for #UKCityofCulture2029!
Blackpool is one of nine places long-listed for the title, each receiving £60,000 to develop a bid for a year-long programme of arts and culture. This would create new opportunities for local people to engage with creativity, while boosting the visitor economy and supporting job creation.
Creative Blackpool and Blackpool Council will now lead the development of Blackpool’s bid, shaping an ambitious vision for 2029 that showcases the town’s unique cultural offer.
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said:
“Blackpool is bursting with culture and variety. We’ve just celebrated a week-long festival of circus and magic and are looking forward to welcoming the works of both Claude Monet and William Shakespeare in March – all of which is complemented by our year-round celebration of the art and culture of today and tomorrow.
“Our diverse culture and entertainment offer means Blackpool has something for everybody, from all age groups and backgrounds. Being named as the City of Culture 2029 would showcase the talent and creativity that we already have on our doorstep, making all our residents proud of our bold, vibrant and cultural town.”
Alex O’Toole, Director of Arts Lancashire, said,
“We’re absolutely delighted to see Blackpool long-listed for UK City of Culture 2029 – this is a fantastic recognition of its creative energy, ambition and growing cultural leadership.
This opportunity has the potential to be truly transformative, not only for Blackpool but for the whole of Lancashire. A successful bid would shine a national spotlight on the depth of talent across our county, creating new opportunities for artists, organisations and communities, while strengthening skills, partnerships and pathways into the creative industries.
We know that investment in culture drives regeneration, boosts the visitor economy and supports jobs – and just as importantly, it brings people together, fostering pride and participation.
Arts Lancashire is cheering Blackpool on and excited about what this could mean for the wider cultural sector and communities across the county.”