Ipswich longlisted for City of Culture 2029 bid

The University of Suffolk is thrilled that Ipswich has been longlisted to become the UK’s City of Culture 2029.

Ipswich is one of nine locations to have been longlisted alongside Blackpool, Inverness-Highland, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Swindon and Wrexham.

Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “Reaching the long list for the City of Culture 2029 bid is an incredible opportunity for wider Ipswich, including the University of Suffolk.

“Investment into culture will not only enhance our location but will also provide an exciting programme of events for students and the wider community.

"I encourage all our students, staff and partners to back the bid and show their support for Ipswich to become City of Culture 2029.  I will certainly be doing so with gusto!”

Each destination will now receive a £60,000 funding boost to support their full bid which will explain how they would use culture to create transformational opportunities and better lives for people living in their local area.

Winning the title brings enormous benefits for local communities, with previous hosts attracting millions of pounds in additional investment and thousands of visitors to the area, as well as generating new jobs.

The UK City of Culture 2029 winner will be announced later this year and will follow Bradford’s tenure as UK City of Culture 2025.

Students, staff and the local community are encouraged to support Ipswich’s bid here.