Wrexham has made the shortlist of four places bidding to become UK City of Culture in 2029. The team behind the Wrecsam2029 bid says it is ready to transform lives across the region. What’s more, it would leave a legacy for future generations and make an impact for the whole of Wales.
What UK City of Culture Would Mean for Wrexham
If Wrexham became the first Welsh winner, it would receive an initial £10 million investment from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The title is also estimated to bring an economic impact of more than £200 million. That would mean new jobs, more visitors and wider social and cultural benefits.
Thousands of local people have shaped the bid, inspired by the ambition to make Wrexham the world’s most playful place. They range from schoolchildren and cultural organisations to community groups and businesses. Together, they have helped build something far bigger than a single year of events.
In fact, the bid builds on work already under way to develop Wrexham as a creative industries hub and cultural destination. Winning would add momentum to efforts to improve the city’s infrastructure. Above all, it would support the grassroots scene, widen participation and offer more creative careers, especially for young people.
Culture at the Heart of Wrexham’s Ambitions
Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for the Wrecsam2029 bid, said, “We’re delighted to have made the final shortlist. Since our previous bid, we’ve continued to put culture at the heart of our long-term ambitions for Wrexham. With our partners, we’re already working hard to improve the lives of our communities beyond 2029.”
Joanna Knight OBE, Chair of the Wrecsam2029 bid, was equally thrilled. “What an incredible moment for Wrexham! To be shortlisted for 2029 is fantastic news. It’s something our whole community should be immensely proud of,” she said. “The support we’ve had from people and organisations locally, nationally and internationally has been phenomenal.”
She added, “Just imagine what winning could mean – not only for Wrexham, but for North Wales and the whole of Wales. I’ve always believed Wrexham is the right place at the right time. Now we need everyone to get behind us, celebrate everything that makes this place so special and help us bring it home!”
A Platform for the Whole of Wales
The Wrecsam2029 team and supporters recently took their message to Cardiff. There, they hosted an event for politicians, cultural leaders and businesses at the Pierhead building, opposite the Senedd. The minister for culture was among those who came to show their support.
Heledd Fychan MS, Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport, said, “We’re so proud that Wrexham has made the shortlist. It’s an inspiring example of the local community, cultural organisations and businesses working together. Thanks to its grassroots music scene, glorious heritage, countryside and sport, Wrexham is winning national and international recognition.”
She continued, “It’s a key gateway to Wales. Being the first Welsh City of Culture would provide a major platform for the Welsh language. It would also showcase the culture and creativity of the whole country.” For many in Wrexham, that national reach is one of the bid’s most exciting features.
Famous Faces Back the Bid
More than 150 Wrecsam2029 ambassadors have thrown their weight behind the bid. They include Emmy Award winner Matthew Rhys, Carol Vorderman, Siân Lloyd and Colin Jackson. Meanwhile, award-winning actor Rhys Ifans has also added his voice.
“I’m supporting the Wrecsam2029 bid, because it’s Wrexham’s time and it’s Wales’s time,” said Rhys. “We’ve got the musicians, the artists, the actors, the directors and the filmmakers. If Wrexham gets to put on the year it’s promising, it’ll really put Wales on the map as a great centre for creativity and arts.”
Neck Deep, who came out of Wrexham’s music scene, have also backed the bid while touring Europe. “Wrexham has an incredible grassroots music scene, and it’s played a huge part in our development as a band,” the band said. “Winning would bring new attention and investment to Wrexham.”
Backing From the Grassroots Scene
Jo Marsh, Creative Director at Tŷ Pawb, says the award-winning centre shows the power of culture to bring new life to a place. “A key driver for Tŷ Pawb and the Wrecsam2029 bid is Wrexham’s world-renowned culture of radical playwork,” she said. “Securing the title would mean a year of county-wide playfulness. That could fuel generational cultural, social and economic change.”
Award-winning Wrexham artist Anya Paintsil agrees. “Growing up in Wrexham has definitely shaped the way I see the world and the work I make,” she said. “City of Culture feels like a chance to recognise the creativity that is already here. It could also create more opportunities for artists and communities.”
Community organisations have been just as central to the bid. They include the County Voluntary Council, Youth Parliament, North East Wales Multicultural Hub and Adventure Playgrounds. Omonigho “Omo” Idegun, founder of the Wrexham Africa Community, is a keen supporter. “We believe culture has the power to inspire, unite and transform communities,” said Omo.
What Happens Next
Over the next few weeks, the Wrecsam2029 team will prepare for a visit by the UK City of Culture Advisory Panel, which advises on the competition. The visit is a chance to show Wrexham’s readiness to deliver an outstanding year with a lasting legacy. After that, the team will make a final presentation to the judging panel.
The winner is expected to be announced in December 2026 or January 2027. Until then, the bid team is asking everyone to keep celebrating what makes Wrexham special. Every show of support helps make the case.
You can follow the latest news and find out how to get involved on the Wrecsam2029 website. In the words of the bid team, Wrexham is ready. Now it’s time to bring it home.
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