Just under a month ago (Tuesday, January 20, 2026), Bristol took its first steps towards becoming the UK City of Culture in 2029. The council agreed to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), with hopes of being shortlisted for one of the country’s most prestigious cultural honours.
What is the UK City of Culture?
The UK City of Culture programme shines a spotlight on the cultural life of cities, bringing creative opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Previous winners have seen increased local pride, stronger community connections, and an economic boost, but Bristol will also “use culture as a force for inclusion and opportunity.”
“Our city is renowned for its creativity—from street art and music to festivals and independent venues,” said Philip Walker, Head of Culture at Bristol City Council. “While we take pride in our city’s offer, not everyone has equal access to cultural experiences. Barriers such as cost, location, and representation mean some communities feel disconnected from Bristol’s cultural offer.
“A bid for UK City of Culture would aim to change that. The UK City of Culture programme is about more than events and festivals. It’s about creating lasting change. For Bristol, this means cementing culture as a means to tackle inequality, strengthen communities, and inspire future generations. It means celebrating what makes the city special while opening doors for those who feel excluded.”
Winning would not only attract visitors, create jobs and strengthen the city’s cultural infrastructure, but also ensure that culture is accessible to everyone, everywhere in Bristol. The submission is rooted in the city’s grassroots cultural scene, i.e. community-led projects, local artists, and neighbourhood initiatives.
Who else is in the running for 2029?
Many other UK cities (and not even cities) have already expressed their interest in becoming the UK City of Culture in 2029, with the deadline this Sunday (February 8). This includes Blackpool, Exeter, Herefordshire, Ipswich, Peterborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Swindon and Wrexham.
The longlist will be revealed in late March, when all are invited to make a full application by the summer. In the autumn, shortlisted places will be announced, followed by panel visits, and a winner will be revealed in the winter. The UK City of Culture winner’s delivery year will then run from January to December in 2029.
What are Bristol’s odds of winning?
Well, the odds are okay-ish, according to OLBG. The latest predictions have Wrexham as favourites (4/6), who were the UK City of Culture runners-up for 2025. Since that bid, investment, regeneration projects and global attention from Wrexham AFC have only helped strengthen the Welsh city’s chances.
Plymouth follows (6/4), buoyed by its coastal identity and cultural infrastructure, while Ipswich and Blackpool are joint third favourites (2/1). Further down, Peterborough (3/1) and Bristol (4/1) are viewed as solid but unspectacular bids at this moment in time. But a lot can change in a year.