Wrecsam2029: Wrexham's UK City of Culture bid

Wrexham is bidding to become UK City of Culture 2029, and it would be the first place in Wales to hold the title. The bid, Wrecsam2029, has made the shortlist of four, and the winner is expected to be announced in December 2026 or January 2027.

PRESS PLAY ON WREXHAM

The bid's big idea is to make Wrexham "the world's most playful place", building on the county's long tradition of playwork and adventure play. Thousands of local people have helped shape it, from schoolchildren to cultural organisations, community groups and businesses, and more than 150 ambassadors back it, including Matthew Rhys, Carol Vorderman, Colin Jackson and Rhys Ifans.

WHAT WINNING WOULD MEAN

The UK City of Culture comes with an initial £10 million from the UK Government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and the bid team estimates the title would bring more than £200 million to the local economy, with a year long programme of culture across the county.

WHO IS BEHIND THE BID

The bid is led by the Wrexham Community and Culture Trust, a registered charity, working with Wrexham Council. Joanna Knight OBE chairs the bid.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

• Back the bid and sign up for updates on the Wrecsam2029 website

• Explore the public art trail of murals and artworks on walls around the city centre

• Look out for Wrecsam2029 events and fundraisers, listed on the bid website

• Follow @wrecsam2029 on social media

CULTURE IN WREXHAM TODAY

You do not have to wait for 2029. Start at Tŷ Pawb, the city's arts and markets hub, catch a show with our shows, gigs and comedy guide, plan for FOCUS Wales in May, and see history and heritage in Wrexham.

We will update this page when the result is announced.

For the full story of the bid, who is behind it and how to support it, see our Wrecsam2029 page. This is Wrecsam is a recognised Ambassador for the Wrecsam2029 bid.