SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is backing Wrexham’s bid to win a prestigious accolade.
Mr Rowlands, who supported Wrexham’s bid to become UK City of Culture in 2025 when they finished runner up to Bradford, has been finding out all about the plans for 2029.
He recently met with Amanda Evans, Culture Bid Director who took him on a tour of the city centre to show him some of the work which is being carried out in preparation for the bid.
He said: “It was great to meet up once again with Amanda and be shown around the various sites in Wrexham where preparations are in full swing to showcase the city and what it has to offer.
“The city has a story like no other. We discussed how the 2029 bid will put our heritage and creativity on the world stage and toured the stunning new public art trail.
“I was really disappointed when they missed out last time after everybody’s hard work and I sincerely hope it will go one better for 2029 and gain this fantastic accolade.
“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 back this exciting venture.
“Not only will it continue to keep Wrexham firmly on the tourist map but it will also have a knock on effect for the rest of North Wales which is great news for the region I represent.
“A lot of experience and knowledge was gained from the previous bid and I know, from speaking to many people across Wrexham, there is great determination to show what this wonderful city has to offer and celebrate its unique culture and heritage through a vibrant and imaginative programme for 2029. “
During his meeting Sam discussed the proposals for the city which are already completed or still taking place including the new national attraction called the ‘Museum of Two Halves’, set to open this year, combining an enhanced Wrexham Museum with Wales’ first dedicated Football Museum.
He also visited the popular Tŷ Pawb, the community, cultural and arts centre, the stunning public art trail and heard more about the pedestrianization of the High street.
Amanda Evans, Culture Bid Director, said: “I welcomed the opportunity to showcase what is being done as part of the bid and how everybody is working hard putting the final touches before we submit an expression of interest early next month.
“It is an exciting time for Wrexham and we believe that winning the title will be transformational for culture not just in Wrexham but across Wales.”
The competition, which is run by the UK Government Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, is held every four years and the successful bidder is designated as a ‘City of Culture’ for one year. During this time they play host to many cultural events attracting visitors from across the globe.
The expressions of interest deadline is Sunday, February 8 and longlisted places will be announced in March 2026.
