Thousands of local people have shaped Wrexham’s vision of culture transforming the city for everyone who calls it home.
Wrexham has formally submitted its bid to become UK City of Culture 2029. The city was longlisted earlier this year, and the citizen-led Wrecsam2029 bid now moves to the next stage of the competition.
A Bid Built Around Playfulness
Wrexham Community & Culture Trust leads the bid, with support from Wrexham County Borough Council. It draws on the city’s reputation for radical playwork, its long history of enterprise, and its borderland identity.
Amanda Evans, Director of Wrexham’s UK City of Culture 2029 Bid, explained the vision. “Here in Wrexham, we like to play,” she said. “Our vision is for Wrexham to be the world’s most playful place, where playfulness informs every aspect of daily life.”
Crucially, the bid has been community-led from the outset. Over the past four years, thousands of people have helped shape it, including more than 1,000 schoolchildren. Residents, artists, schools, businesses and groups such as the Youth Parliament all contributed. Alongside this, dozens of cultural leaders co-produced a new 10-year cultural strategy running from 2027 to 2037.
Joanna Knight OBE, Chair of Wrexham Community & Culture Trust, said the bid reflects local hopes. “At the heart of the Wrecsam2029 bid are the hopes and dreams of the people of Wrexham,” she said. “It’s a bid for local people by local people.”
The Economic Case for Culture
Winning the title would bring an immediate £10 million award from HM Government. In addition, Alwyn Jones, Chief Executive of Wrexham County Borough Council, said the wider impact could reach £200 million for the economy. “If we win,” he said, “we anticipate it generating over £200 million for our economy.”
Furthermore, organisers expect the year to attract over two million visitors, boosting tourism and creative sector jobs. As the first Welsh UK City of Culture, Wrexham would become a shop window for the whole country, including the Welsh language.
Building on Existing Momentum
Wrexham has continued investing in culture since its previous bid. Recent highlights include hosting the National Eisteddfod 2025, the Stori Brymbo fossil forest, and ongoing support for Tŷ Pawb. In September, the Stiwt Theatre celebrates its centenary, while Chirk Aqueduct marks 225 years in October.
Sport also plays a role, particularly through Wrexham AFC and the global attention brought by “Welcome to Wrexham.” Meanwhile, The Racecourse Ground capacity is rising to 18,000 by 2027, and a new Football Museum of Wales opens this year.
What Happens Next
The UK Government will announce shortlisted places in mid-October. If selected, Wrexham will host judges in November or December, before the winner is announced in January 2027. Over 100 Ambassadors, including Matthew Rhys and Carol Vorderman, are supporting the campaign as it builds momentum ahead of the decision.
We hope you enjoyed reading about Wrexham’s UK City of Culture 2029 bid. Click here for more articles about Wrecsam2029 and Wrexham’s cultural scene.
