SAM ROWLANDS MS for North Wales has welcomed news that Wrexham has made the final nine for the prestigious title of UK City of Culture 2029.
Mr Rowlands, a keen supporter of the bid, was commenting after it was announced that the borough is one of nine locations to make the longlist to host the prestigious title in just three years’ time.
He said: “I was fortunate enough to recently meet with Amanda Evans, Culture Bid Director who took me on a tour to show me what work was being caried out in the city to promote Wrexham and I was very impressed.
“I was absolutely delighted to hear today that Wrexham is on that long list, the only Welsh city to do so. It is brilliant news.
“Congratulations must go to everyone for all their hard work so far and I would now like to see the Welsh Government getting behind them.
“It is a tremendous opportunity to continue to promote and showcase all that Wrexham has to offer and as the Chair of the Senedd’s Cross Party Group on Tourism I am delighted to keep backing this exciting venture.
“Wrexham has the most fantastic culture to offer, including Wrexham Football Club and the, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct which has received UNESCO world heritage status, the cultural community centre of Tŷ Pawb, theatres, churches, the list is endless.
“Winning the UK City of Culture will not only have huge benefits to Wrexham, but the whole of North Wales, creating jobs, driving investment and delivering long-lasting benefits, putting Wrexham and North Wales on the international radar.”
Wrexham, who made the shortlist in 2022 for the 2025 event, is the only Welsh city bidding for the title, which provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate the uniqueness of Welsh culture and put the whole of Wales in the national spotlight by flying the flag for Wales.
The nine locations will now each receive £60,000 to help develop their full bids and if Wrexham win the 2029 title, they could secure £10 million from the UK Government, helping to attract investment, boost tourism and improve access to arts and culture in the area and across the region.
Being longlisted helps to highlight the evolving story of Wrexham. As a county already steeped in culture, this recognition adds even more momentum to the incredible things already happening across the county, including the recently opened Creative Industries Hub, the soon-to-open National Football Museum for Wales, the exciting development of Stori Brymbo, the newly developed Public Art Trail and a growing calendar of vibrant cultural events.
A Welsh city has yet to hold the UK City of Culture title. Success for Wrexham extends far beyond the city and its surrounding counties; a victory would provide a significant boost to the cultural profile of Wales as a whole. National support is vital to demonstrating why Wales is a worthy contender on the UK stage, with the whole country encouraged to back Wrexham’s bid.
Amanda Evans, Culture Bid Director said: “We are delighted to make the longlist and are more driven than ever to win the UK City of Culture title for 2029.
“Winning the bid will help to secure a bright social and economic future for Wrexham, bringing new opportunities for people who live and work in the area, as well as supporting our arts and culture sector in more ways than ever before.
“This is a really, really exciting time for us and we are committing everything over the next few months to put Wrexham on a global stage and show why we are worthy of winning the title.”
Wrexham will now be invited to submit a full application to the UK Government Department for Culture, Media & Sport by Summer 20206. A shortlist of up to four places will be announced in the Autumn.
