'We'll dust ourselves down' after culture snub

8 hours ago

News image — Middlesbrough was one of nine towns and cities longlisted for the prestigious national title

Stuart Whincup/BBC Schoolchildren dancing in costume at Middlesbrough's popular Orange Pip Market. They have yellow masks attached to their heads and their arms are outstretched. They are wearing jeans and blue trousers with green and yellow material wrapped around their waists. They have black stripes across their noses. — Middlesbrough was one of nine towns and cities longlisted for the prestigious national title

An MP said missing out on UK City of Culture 2029 was disappointing but the town just had to "dust" itself down and was still a "cultural powerhouse".

Middlesbrough was on a nine-strong longlist, but failed to make the shortlist which would have unlocked further funding and put them in line for a £10m prize.

Labour MP Andy McDonald said the area's bid for City of Culture had been "bold and compelling".

The four places still in the running include Blackpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham - with the winner set to be announced in early 2027.

The winner, which will succeed Bradford to the title, will receive funding to deliver a year's worth of cultural activities, drawing on its "local strengths and stories".

McDonald said: "We know what we've got going on in Middlesbrough right now," as he listed the hosting of the Turner Prize-nominated artworks, the Twisterella music festival, as well as recently holding the Game Republic New Horizons Convention.

"This is a setback, but our town motto is 'Erimus' (We Shall Be) - and we shall."

House of Commons A portrait of Andy McDonald, standing side-on but facing the camera. He has short, white hair, a beard and a light moustache. The MP wears a blue suit and a red tie. — MP Andy McDonald said Middlesbrough was a "cultural powerhouse"

Mayor Chris Cooke said working on the bid had galvanised people across Middlesbrough and "laid the foundations for the next chapter".

"We've taken knockbacks before and we've always come back stronger, that's just part of who we are."

Middlesbrough Council announced a programme of events in 2030 to celebrate its 200th birthday and build on its City of Culture bid.

"We're rolling up our sleeves to go again," said Cooke.

"We'll celebrate our history, show off the talent that is going to help us thrive in the future, and give our people another reason to feel proud of Middlesbrough."