Blackpool has been invited by the government to bid for UK City of Culture 2029.
Run every four years by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the competition invites places across the UK to put forward their vision for culture-led regeneration.
Culture has always been part of Blackpool’s story. From Showtown Museum, which celebrates the town’s rich entertainment heritage, to Grundy Art Gallery, a National Portfolio Organisation showcasing contemporary work from both national partners and artists with strong links to the town.
Blackpool is also home to internationally recognised events including the World Dance Championships, alongside a growing programme of community-led arts and culture taking place across local neighbourhoods.
While not technically a city, Blackpool is one of the UK’s largest towns, with a population of 141,500 and a visitor economy valued at £2bn, meeting the criteria to bid.
If successful, Blackpool would receive £10 million to deliver a year-long programme of arts and culture, bringing investment, creating jobs and supporting the town’s visitor economy.
The timing is significant. 2029 will mark 150 years of the Blackpool Illuminations and 135 years since the opening of Blackpool Tower and Blackpool Grand Theatre.
Previous UK City of Culture winners include Bradford (2025), Coventry (2021), Hull (2017) and Derry-Londonderry (2013).