Heritage groups back Wrexham’s bid for UK City of Culture 2029
WREXHAM is the only Welsh city to be longlisted for the prestigious title and continues to build support from across the arts, cultural, sporting and heritage sectors.
Among the organisations backing the bid are the Wrexham Miners Project, Heneb, Stori Brymbo, Visit Wrexham, St Giles’ Church, Chirk Castle and Erddig, all of which say the designation would help protect the county’s heritage while boosting tourism, skills and the local economy.
Wendy Hett, trustee of the Wrexham Miners Project, said the city had never lost its identity despite growing international recognition.
She said: “Community is at the heart of everything we do, and Wrexham’s greatest asset has always been the people who call it home.
“Looking after our cultural heritage preserves the stories and identity of those who built the town, while helping future generations understand where they come from.”
Richard Nicholls, chief executive of heritage charity Heneb, said Wrexham’s history stretched from prehistoric times through the Roman period and into its internationally significant industrial heritage.
He said City of Culture status would provide opportunities to accelerate conservation projects, improve public engagement and create new training and apprenticeship opportunities for young people.
Visit Wrexham founder Karl Hargrave said the city was experiencing a renaissance, combining its industrial heritage with new developments, independent businesses and a growing tourism sector.
“If Wrexham wins the title it will help drive tourism, create jobs and improve infrastructure while bringing communities together,” he said.
Support has also come from organisers of Wrexham’s Year of Wonder celebrations, which are marking the 150th anniversary of several key events in the city’s history, including the founding of the Football Association of Wales and the first National Eisteddfod to be held in Wrexham.
Dave McCall, from the Year of Wonder steering group, said the campaign had already united almost 40 community, arts, museum and business organisations.
Meanwhile, Stori Brymbo chief executive Nicola Sawford said the title would strengthen heritage-led regeneration while supporting employment, skills development and cultural engagement across the area.
St Giles’ Church, one of the Seven Wonders of Wales, has also pledged its support, with Reverend Petra Goodband describing Wrexham as “a city steeped in history” whose heritage is enjoyed by visitors from around the world.
Lizzie Champion, general manager of Chirk Castle and Erddig, said winning the title would be “transformative” for Wrexham and help safeguard important heritage sites while strengthening the city’s cultural and economic future.
The Wrecsam2029 campaign is being led by Wrexham Community & Culture Trust, an independent charity established with support from Wrexham County Borough Council.
The city will learn later this year whether it has progressed to the shortlist in the competition to become UK City of Culture 2029.
