Milton Keynes reacts as city makes final four for culture title and £10m prize
As it’s revealed that Milton Keynes has made the shortlist for the City of Culture 2029 title, city leaders, organisations and change makers are giving their reactions to the news.
The UK City of Culture is the UK's most prestigious cultural title, celebrating places that use culture and creativity to transform communities, attract visitors and create lasting social and economic impact.
If Milton Keynes were to win, the investment generated, including a formal £10 million prize, could strengthen its creativity and more opportunities for residents.
In response to the news that Milton Keynes has been shortlisted for the award, Bletchley Park Trust CEO, Iain Standen said: “I’m pleased that Milton Keynes has been included on the shortlist for City of Culture 2029.
“It is a vibrant city that makes culture accessible to everyone of any age or background. With theatres, art galleries, live music venues, diverse sports complexes, and an enormous number of green spaces, Milton Keynes is also rich in history, which of course includes Bletchley Park.
“It is a city with culture embedded in its DNA and has been so from the very start. To be in the running to be named as City of Culture is a fantastic validation of all that Milton Keynes has to offer, and Bletchley Park is proud to play its part.”
Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, Councillor Jane Carr said: “I’d like to congratulate our fellow UK City of Culture 2029 shortlisted cities, Blackpool, Sheffield and Wrexham.
“This is a huge honour and a tribute to the hard work and vision of everyone who has helped to shape Milton Keynes‘ bid.
“The last nine months have been nothing short of inspiring. Thousands of residents, organisations and the creative community came together to develop our bid.”
Callum Anderson, Member of Parliament for Buckingham and Bletchley, said: "To see Milton Keynes make the final shortlist for UK City of Culture is a fantastic achievement and a powerful recognition of how far our city has come.
“From the pioneering legacy of Bletchley Park to one of the most innovative and fastest-growing cities in the country, Milton Keynes has always looked forward while staying true to the communities that have shaped its success.
“This bid comes at a pivotal moment, on the cusp of new opportunities through East West Rail and the wider Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor.
“A City of Culture win would not only showcase the very best of Milton Keynes to the world, but also bring investment, opportunity and renewed pride to communities like Bletchley, helping to unlock its enormous potential and ensuring culture plays a central role in our city's next chapter.”
An independent panel of judges will now visit all shortlisted cities, and the UK’s City of Culture for 2029 will be announced in early 2027, as Milton Keynes begins creative celebrations for its 60th year.