Swindon submits “City of Culture” bid for 2029

The bid to make Swindon the UK City of Culture 2029 has been officially submitted by Swindon Borough Council and Swindon Culture Collective.

This follows Swindon being successfully longlisted among nine locations in March and represents the next stage in the national competition, which recognises places where culture and heritage can drive economic growth, strengthen communities and deliver lasting change.

If successful, the programme would see Swindon receive £10 million towards a year-long programme of cultural, heritage and community activity in 2029, with potential to attract additional investment, sponsorship and external funding to support the programme and its legacy.

The funding would be used to build a lasting infrastructure of people and spaces to strengthen Swindon’s cultural offer. The bid outlines plans for cultural, heritage and community activity between 2027 and 2030, helping to increase participation, develop skills, attract visitors and encourage investment, while creating a legacy for residents and local communities.

Since being longlisted, the Council and the Swindon Culture Collective have worked with local organisations, artists, businesses, schools, community groups and residents to develop a proposal that reflects the Borough’s unique story and ambitious future.

Thousands of residents have helped shape the bid by contributing ideas and voicing their opinions through postcards and idea boxes at community events, creative pop-ups at festivals, sporting fixtures and shopping centres, and online.

The Council has also been visiting local cultural organisations and charities to discuss the bid and experience some of the activities taking place.

Local businesses including Zurich Municipal, Panettoni, GWR, Thermo Fisher, Swindon’s Bus Company, DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon, Thrings and Gel Studios have already pledged their support for Swindon’s bid, showing the judging panel that the plans have strong backing from the local business community.

The bid submission aims to showcase Swindon’s combination of heritage, innovation and creativity, drawing on nationally significant institutions including the Science Museum Group, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the National Trust, alongside a thriving programme of festivals, events and community-led cultural activity.

The proposed programme would celebrate the Borough’s people, places and stories while building on popular events such as Signal Festival, Swindon MELA, Festival of Tomorrow and the Swindon Festival of Literature.

Comments

Cllr Matthew Vallender, cabinet member for culture, planning and regeneration, said: “Today marks an important milestone in our ambition to become UK City of Culture 2029.

“This bid is about much more than a title. It is about showcasing what makes Swindon unique, unlocking new opportunities for residents and businesses, and using culture as a driver for investment, regeneration and economic growth.

“This bid is a significant moment for Swindon and reflects months of hard work and collaboration from partners, organisations, businesses, artists and residents across the Borough.

“The City of Culture competition goes beyond arts and culture. It is an opportunity to let people know that Swindon has always been a place that makes things happen. From our railway heritage to our world-leading research and innovation sector, we have a proud history of shaping the future. Our bid builds on that identity and demonstrates how culture can help us attract investment, create opportunity and strengthen pride in the place we call home.”

Dr Rod Hebden, director of Swindon Culture Collective, added: “If successful, City of Culture 2029 would not simply be a year of celebration. It would be a springboard for long-term benefits, helping us grow our economy, support local talent, increase visitor numbers and leave a legacy that future generations can enjoy.

“Our bid sets out an exciting vision for a year-long celebration of Swindon in 2029, with cultural activities, volunteering opportunities and community-led projects that would leave a legacy for future generations. We are proud of what we have submitted and look forward to the next stage of the competition.”