Wrexham has been named on the final shortlist, and will battle it out with Blackpool, Sheffield and Milton Keynes for the prestigious title.

Cllr Hugh Jones said reading the sealed bid for Wrexham to become 2029 City of Culture brought him to tears.

Cllr Hugh Jones said reading the sealed bid for Wrexham to become 2029 City of Culture brought him to tears.

YouTube video by Wrecsam2029

Wrexham. You came for the name, you'll stay for our story.Wrexham is on a journey, bidding to become the UK City of Culture 2029. This film has been made ent...

Wrexham has formally submitted its bid to become UK City of Culture 2029, in what could be a significant moment in the city's history. The Wrecsam2029 bid, led by the Wrexham Community & Culture Trust, was longlisted earlier this year. A shortlist is expected to be announced by the UK Government in mid-October, with the winner named in early January 2027 - with Wrexham appearing to be quietly confident assuming the process is judged on quality of bids and not a straight up political decision. The trust, an independent charity set up with the support of Wrexham County Borough Council, says the bid draws on the city's reputation for radical playwork, its history of enterprise and innovation, and its borderland identity.

The campaign for Wrexham to become UK City of Culture in 2029 is officially underway – and it could be worth £1 billion to the local economy…