Milton Keynes secures £125k to develop bid after making UK City of Culture 2029 shortlist

This secures the city a further £125,000 to develop upon the bid, with the winning city unlocking £10 million to deliver the year of culture.

Throughout the last year, the City of Culture bid has loomed large over many events held across the city, from Reggae Land at the Bowl to Midsummer Festival in the city centre. The bid has been set to the tune of "Ode to Milton Keynes" by Maureen Onwunali, a local poet and creative talent.

The bid provides Milton Keynes an opportunity to showcase what makes the city special, from the thriving arts and creatives sector which has overseen projects like the International Festival and City of Codes and Lights, to the drive for innovation that comes from the science and tech sector that fuels events like Milton Keynes Tech Week.

The bid also provides an opportunity to spotlight local businesses, artists, inventors, and residents who enhance the cultural offering in their communities.

Charities, organisations, businesses, and residents from across the city have been given the opportunity to shape the bid through the Book of Ideas, workshops and at other events put on to ensure this bid is representative of those living in Milton Keynes.

Newly-secured funding will allow the bid to further develop and maximise the chances of a City of Culture 2029 win for Milton Keynes. The winner is due to be announced by January 2027.

Emily Darlington, Member of Parliament for Milton Keynes Central, said: "This bid is about hope in every postcode in our city and showing everyone who lives here that opportunity is on their doorstep.

“Milton Keynes is a city that has been built by all those who have made it their home: started local businesses, created community groups, begun a family here. I can't wait to show the rest of the country what a fantastic city Milton Keynes is - and that we're about more than concrete cows and roundabouts."

Chris Curtis, Member of Parliament for Milton Keynes North, said: "This announcement is a powerful recognition of the cultural impact that Milton Keynes has and will continue to make as a leader in arts, tech and so many other sectors.

“It is also a moment of remembrance for our fantastic friend and colleague, Shanika Mahendran, whose passion and love for the city that she called home led us to fight for this title. I'm so proud that we've made it this far for her and everyone else in this city who saw the opportunity in this bid."