We’re backing Blackpool’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2029 – and for our members, the opportunity on the table is significant.
Blackpool has been longlisted to the second round for 2029, competing against eight other places for a title awarded every four years to a UK city or local area. Blackpool isn’t technically a city, but the title is open to all large places, and as the 45th largest place in the UK, Blackpool is bigger than several places that hold city status.
If the bid succeeds, Blackpool will receive £10m to deliver a year-long celebration of arts and culture. For town centre businesses, that means a sustained, funded programme of events designed to bring footfall through the door across an entire year, not just during the traditional summer and illuminations season. Previous City of Culture host towns have seen visitor numbers, overnight stays and local spending rise significantly during their year in the spotlight – and the benefits have often continued well beyond it, as the exposure lifts a place’s reputation for years afterwards.
Beyond the immediate economic boost, a successful bid would strengthen Blackpool’s identity as a creative destination, support new jobs, and give local businesses a stronger story to tell visitors about what makes the town special. Blackpool BID will continue to work with the Council and bid partners to make sure members are ready to make the most of every opportunity the campaign brings – and we’d encourage all businesses to get behind it.
You can back the bid for Blackpool as UK City of Culture 2029 here.
Images by Martin Bostock Photography.