Failed City of Culture bid has 'raised aspiration'

Ipswich is out of the running to become UK City of Culture 2029 after failing to make the shortlist, but the town's MP says he remains proud of it regardless.

Suffolk's county town was one of nine locations to make the longlist of candidates - each receiving £60,000 to help develop their bids.

Blackpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham have made the shortlist and are in contention for £10m of investment from the government with the winner announced in early 2027.

Jack Abbott MP said: "This isn't the result we were hoping for, but I am so proud of our town. This bid has changed how Ipswich sees itself and the aspiration, ideas and the confidence it has built are here to stay."

Amy Vaughan, Bid Director for Ipswich 2029, said: "We wanted to go further, but today's decision does not take away from what Ipswich has achieved. We set out to show what this town can do when it comes together and that is exactly what happened."

Lee Walker, chief executive of Ipswich Central, the business improvement district (BID) organisation for the town centre, said: "Winning would have fast-tracked the cultural transformation of Ipswich and put Ipswich on a national stage.

"That is still the goal and the connections and partnerships forged throughout this process will endure, despite this news."

The government's Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "For all those places that have not made the shortlist, your journey does not end here. Their energy, enthusiasm and cultural contribution is seen and valued and the bids you have created will open up opportunities for years to come."

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) runs the competition in a bid to spark regeneration through culture and to boost local pride.

The winning area is made UK City of Culture for a year and hosts large-scale events to attract visitors. Other activities are held to try to boost social cohesion and community engagement.

Despite Ipswich being a town, it was allowed to take part in the "City" competition, which now includes large towns, regions and groups of places working together.

Applicants set out how they would use the prize pot and share their "vision" for events over the 12 months.

The government says arts and culture must be used as a "catalyst for regeneration" in the bids.

Previous winners have included Hull in 2017, Coventry in 2021 and, in 2025, Bradford.

Global superstar Ed Sheeran grew up in Suffolk and supports Ipswich Town FC.

Sheeran said: "This town has shaped who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and it has an incredible community spirit. That's why Suffolk and Ipswich will always be where I call home."

Teenage musician Nandi Bushell, who has performed alongside the Foo Fighters and Lenny Kravitz, also backed the bid. She said: "I've lived in Ipswich for nearly my whole life and I am proud to be from here. Without this town's support, I would not be the musician I am."

Mark Ashton, Ipswich Town's chairman and chief executive, confirmed the club was putting £25,000 towards the bid and had said: "For the football club now to be a sponsor and formally get behind the bid, we are delighted, we are going to have a really good go at winning this thing."

A culture and heritage strategy for Ipswich was published on Wednesday. It has been backed by local councils, the town's BID group, Arts Council England and a theatre in the town.

It sets out ambitions for the next 10 years, including improving access to cultural opportunities, young people shaping the town and communities being better connected.

Douglas Rintoul, chief executive and artistic director of the New Wolsey Theatre, said: "There's a real groundswell in Ipswich with our cultural organisations, leadership, businesses and communities coming together around what we can achieve for the town."

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