Milton Keynes Labour MPs back City of Culture bid
Milton Keynes three Labour MPs have backed the city’s bid to be crowned UK City of Culture in 2029.
Milton Keynes City Council announced yesterday (February 5) that it was going to submit a bid to be awarded the title.
Council officials are hoping to secure an initial place on the longlist, which would enable Milton Keynes to secure £60,000 to further develop their proposals.
As well as the title of UK City of Culture, the winning location would also be awarded £10 million to deliver its programme.
Milton Keynes Central MP Emily Darlington, Buckingham and Bletchley MP Callum Anderson and Milton Keynes North MP Chris Curtis all announced their support for the bid today.
“As soon as you step foot in Central Milton Keynes from the train station you are greeted by the stunning Yinka Ilori artwork that encapsulates our city’s vibrant spirit, and it will soon also be the site of a new multi-million pound events venue,” Emily said.
“From incredible city-centre events like the International Festival, Midsummer Festival and India Day MK to our excellent theatre and the wonderful MK Gallery that hosts prominent shows like Warhol and Lowry, Milton Keynes is full of culture.”
Callum added: “I’m proud to be backing this bid and I hope that it will bring even more attention to Bletchley’s culture and heritage, as we continue with ambitious regeneration plans and improved transport infrastructure.
“I’m keen to see Bletchley Park form a key part of the bid, as the home of modern computing and a vital cultural asset, and as I look to drive more investment into the town, this platform would be invaluable.”
Chris added: “I didn’t always recognise the abundance of culture our city has in my younger years.
“That is what the bid is all about: taking the incredible culture that exists across all parts of the city, boosting it and putting it at the forefront of our city’s identity, which I hope will, at the same time, make it more accessible to all who live here.”
Cabinet member for planning and placemaking on Milton Keynes City Council Shanika Mahendran said she was grateful to the MPs for their support.
“It is great to have MPs who truly recognise and value the vibrant culture that exists in our city today, and share a vision of what our city can be,” said Cllr Mahendran.
“I know they’ll continue to do everything they can to champion Milton Keynes as we compete to be the UK’s next City of Culture.”
The current holder of the title is Bradford in Yorkshire, which was named UK City of Culture in 2025.