Blackpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham are shortlisted to battle for the £10m UK City of Culture 2029 crown

The four contenders will each receive at least £125,000 from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to take their bids forward. The eventual winner, due to be announced in early 2027, will get £10m to deliver a year of cultural activities.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy's department is backing all four shortlisted bids with taxpayer cash.