Milton Keynes has been longlisted for UK City of Culture 2029 – a major opportunity to showcase our city’s creativity, ambition and communities on a national stage.

What is UK City of Culture?

UK City of Culture is a national title, awarded every four years by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Previous winners include Hull, Coventry and Bradford.

Milton Keynes is one of just nine places across the UK invited to develop a full bid, which will be submitted in August 2026. The winning city will be announced in late 2026 / early 2027.

Why it matters

Being UK City of Culture is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to:

• Raise the profile of Milton Keynes nationally and internationally
• Attract investment, visitors and new opportunities
• Support local artists, creatives and communities
• Build long-term pride in place and cultural growth

Other cities have seen millions of visitors, major investment, and lasting cultural and economic impact

A bid shaped by the whole city

This is a bid for everyone. Milton Keynes City Council wants to hear from residents, artists, communities, schools and businesses across Milton Keynes in shaping a vision that reflects:

• Every part of the city
• Our diverse communities
• Our creativity, culture and ambition for the future

Get involved

Milton Keynes Arts Centre is proud to partner with Milton Keynes City Council in helping to shape the bid. We now invite residents to join us at a series of creative consultation events taking place across the city between 15-26 June. To take part, see our Events Listings.

For further information go to:

https://www.destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk/news/milton-keynes-uk-city-of-culture-2029-bid/

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