Thousands of local people have come together with a vision of culture transforming Wrexham for all who call it home, as the county officially submits its citizen-led bid to become the UK City of Culture 2029.
With an invitation to come and play, Wrexham is putting culture – and playfulness – at the heart of its plans to establish itself as a thriving creative industries hub, a significant cultural destination and a place where every child gets the best possible start in life.
Having been longlisted earlier this year, Wrexham has now submitted its formal bid in the competition to become the next UK City of Culture in 2029. Led by the Wrexham Community & Culture Trust (an independent charity established with the support of Wrexham County Borough Council), the Wrecsam2029 bid draws on the city’s international reputation for radical playwork, its centuries-long history as a place of enterprise and innovation, and its unique borderland identity.
Photo credit: James Speakman / PA Media Assignments
Wrecsam2029 turns that spirit of generosity, inventiveness, and openness into a practical vision for the future – one that brings people together, strengthens pride and belonging, and helps build healthier, happier, and more sustainable communities.
“The World’s Most Playful Place”
Amanda Evans, Director of Wrexham’s UK City of Culture 2029 Bid, says:
“Here in Wrexham, we like to play. We play games, we play sport, we play music, we play characters at the theatre. We’re playful, as we sing in bands and choirs, make art or simply get together, in families, as friends, and in our communities. In Wrexham, we take play seriously, as a radical exchange that is critical to creativity, collaboration, participation, social cohesion and well-being.”
“Our vision is for Wrexham to be the world’s most playful place, where playfulness informs every aspect of daily life and frames our emergence as a hotbed of creative enterprise and innovation, a globally significant visitor destination and a place where every young person gets the best possible start.”
The Wrecsam2029 bid goes further than ever before in involving local communities across the county. From the outset, it has been community-led, with thousands of people helping shape its development over the past four years – including over 1,000 schoolchildren, residents, artists, performers, schools, businesses, and organisations such as Wrexham’s County Voluntary Council, Youth Parliament, North East Wales Multicultural Hub, and local Adventure Playgrounds.
The process has provided funding for local creatives to experiment with new ideas to bring to life by 2029, while dozens of cultural leaders have co-produced a new 10-year cultural strategy covering 2027–2037 to support the bid.
Transforming Lives & Boosting the Local Economy
Joanna Knight OBE, Chair of Wrexham Community & Culture Trust, highlights the community focus:
“At the heart of the Wrecsam2029 bid are the hopes and dreams of the people of Wrexham. It’s a bid for local people by local people, building capacity in our communities to ensure every group and organisation feels invested and involved.”
“Thousands of people have already collaborated in the development of our bid to secure this once in a generation opportunity to transform the lives of everyone in our county. Together, we will showcase and protect our cultural assets, heritage and landscapes, improve infrastructure for future generations and help our creative people and businesses thrive.”
“The economic benefits of being named UK City of Culture will undoubtedly make a real difference to people’s health, wellbeing and life chances and all the Trustees are incredibly grateful for the support and best wishes from the community.”
While Wrexham has faced common urban challenges – from high street decline to health inequalities – its global profile leaves it uniquely positioned to overcome these hurdles through bold cultural investment. Winning the status would catalyse further funding into buildings, transport links, and digital connectivity.
Alwyn Jones, Chief Executive of Wrexham County Borough Council, comments:
“The UK City of Culture competition is unique in its ability to generate the change we want to see for Wrexham and the wider region. If we win, as well as the immediate £10 million award from HM Government, we anticipate it generating over £200 million for our economy. This would support our coordination of development activity, and our long-term culture-focused placemaking plan for Wrexham, which seeks to bring communities together, gives people a sense of ownership in shared spaces, and leaves no-one behind.”
A Gateway for Wales and Cultural Momentum
Becoming the first Welsh UK City of Culture would position Wrexham as a nation-wide shop window, celebrating Welsh language, heritage, and contemporary culture. As one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Wales, it is estimated that hosting the title would draw over two million visitors in 2029.
Wrexham’s cultural momentum is already backed by significant multi-year projects:
- Hosting the National Eisteddfod 2025
- The newly developed Wrexham Public Art Trail
- The Stori Brymbo fossil forest at the former Brymbo Steelworks
- Ongoing support for Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham’s award-winning arts and market space
- Centenary celebrations for the historic Stiwt Theatre and 225 years of the Chirk Aqueduct
Sport, Heritage, and High-Profile Ambassadors
Sport plays a core role in the campaign, buoyed by the global interest in Wrexham AFC (led by Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds) and the expansion of STōK Cae Ras to an 18,000-capacity venue by 2027. This coincides with the upcoming opening of the brand new Football Museum of Wales and Wrexham Museum.
More than 100 high-profile Ambassadors are backing the bid, including Matthew Rhys, Carol Vorderman, Siân Lloyd, Liam Stokes-Massey, Lili Mai Jones, Colin Jackson, Dean Fagan, and Mark Lewis Jones.
What’s Next for Wrecsam2029?
The UK Government will announce the official shortlist in mid-October. Shortlisted locations will welcome judges in late 2026 before the winner of UK City of Culture 2029 is formally announced in early January 2027.
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