SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is calling on the Welsh Government to back Wrexham’s bid to become the UK City of Culture 2029.
Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Rowlands, Chair of the Senedd’s Cross-Party Group on Tourism and a passionate supporter of the bid asked Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, if the bid was successful how would the Welsh Government help the city and surrounding communities see long-term benefits to extend beyond 2029.
Mr Rowlands said: “Wrexham is in prime position for this UK City of Culture 2029 bid. This isn’t just, though, about hosting events for a year; for me, it’s about creating a lasting legacy for the city and the surrounding communities.
“We know that local businesses, schools and cultural organisations could all stand to benefit if the bid is successful, but there must be real, sustained support from Government to help make this happen.
“We know that investing in culture can drive tourism, create jobs, inspire young people to engage with the arts—all of which are vital for a thriving local economy.
“So, I wonder, Cabinet Secretary, how you would envisage the Welsh Government helping to ensure that if Wrexham is successful—and we do hope it will be—that the city and surrounding communities will see long-term benefits that would extend beyond 2029.”
Ken Skates said that Sam Rowlands is right about it being a long-term future success, and he believed that securing UK City of Culture status would facilitate a greater degree of pride and place building and excellence within Wrexham.
Mr Rowlands added: “I really do hope that Wrexham’s bid will be successful. It really is a fantastic opportunity and I believe it would be fitting for Wrexham to be the UK City of Culture 2029 and boost local, national and global exposure.”
