Wrexham has submitted its Expression of Interest to the Department for Culture, Media & Sport for UK City of Culture 2029. This milestone moves the county one step closer to securing the title.
Bid Could Generate Over £200 Million
UK City of Culture brings major investment and showcases a place through a wide-ranging cultural programme. Moreover, the winner receives a guaranteed £10 million from the UK Government. That funding can attract further investment, boost tourism, and widen access to arts and culture.
Estimates suggest the bid could generate more than £200 million across the region. As a result, the entire county could benefit. Previous winners, including Bradford, Coventry, Hull and Derry/Londonderry, reported strong economic returns and long-term cultural impact.
Leadership and Early Momentum
Wrexham Community & Culture Trust is leading the bid. The independent charity works closely with Wrexham County Borough Council. In addition, its board of trustees drives plans to strengthen cultural and creative infrastructure across the county.
The team submitted the Expression of Interest before the 8 February deadline. Therefore, the early submission signalled confidence and readiness to lead from the front.
Amanda Evans, Culture Bid Director for Wrecsam2029, said, “We’re proud to have reached the first major milestone on our journey to becoming UK City of Culture 2029. Wrexham is a place of incredible creativity, where the breadth and diversity of culture thrive in every corner of our county.
This bid is for the entire community of Wrexham – every town, village, and neighbourhood – and is an opportunity to share our unique and incredible story with the rest of the UK and the world. This isn’t just about a title – it’s about unlocking new opportunities, inspiring pride, and investing in a vibrant future for everyone across our county.”
Building the Campaign
Alongside the early submission, the team has planned a strong campaign for the months ahead. The programme will spotlight Wrexham’s diverse communities through events and projects across the county.
Meanwhile, the UK Government will announce the official longlist in March 2026. Officials will confirm the winner of the 2029 title this winter.
Wrexham is going for gold. Find out more about the Wrecsam2029 bid and join the mailing list at wrecsam2029.wales/en_gb/.
WCS Agency Joins the Bid
WCS Agency has joined the campaign as PR and Marketing partner. The six-month contract will see the agency help position Wrecsam on a global stage.
A successful bid would secure an initial £10 million grant. In turn, that funding could help attract up to £200 million in investment. The county could regenerate key areas, increase tourism, and help residents build careers closer to home.
Bradford, the current title holder, expects to generate around £700 million by 2030. Consequently, the figures show how cultural investment can drive long-term growth.
Championing Wrecsam
WCS will deliver a campaign focused on arts, culture, music and sport. Furthermore, the strategy will highlight communities and the people who shape them.
Chelsea Pinches-Burrows, CEO at WCS Agency, said, “We are beyond thrilled to have been appointed to support Wrecsam as they go for UK City of Culture 2029. Wrecsam is lucky enough to have been put on a global stage the past few years thanks to football, but there’s still so much more to shout about. And that’s where we come in.
“Our agency focus for this year is ‘From Cardiff, for Wales’, and campaigns like this are a prime example of how we go above and beyond to deliver work we love, to a country we love. A win for Wrecsam will unveil huge potential and help to protect future generations, and we can’t wait to help make that happen.”
“An Exciting Moment for the County”
Amanda Evans, Culture Bid Director at Wrexham Community & Culture Trust, said, “We are delighted to be working with WCS Agency to help champion Wrecsam’s bid for UK City of Culture 2029. This is an exciting moment for the county, and we believe WCS will play a key role in helping us realise our potential and communicate our vision for a vibrant and ambitious future.”
Wrecsam will learn whether it has secured a place on the longlist in March. The UK Government will announce the winner in winter 2026.
Find out more about the bid: https://www.wrecsam2029.wales/en_gb/
Feature image: L-r: Amanda Evans, Culture Bid Director; Morgan Thomas, Culture Bid Coordinator; Joanna Knight, OBE, Chair of Wrexham Community Culture Trust.
We hope you enjoyed reading “Wrexham Submits City of Culture Expression of Interest”. Click here for more articles about our bid to become City of Culture.
