Bristol sets sights on UK City of Culture 2029 bid

Bristol is preparing to take its first steps towards a potential bid to become the UK City of Culture in 2029 – a title that celebrates creativity, community, and the power of culture to transform lives.

Image: Bristol Harbourside, credit Jim Cossey

On Tuesday 20 January, councillors will meet to decide whether to submit an expression of interest to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). This would mark the beginning of a journey that could see Bristol shortlisted for one of the country’s most prestigious cultural honours.

The UK City of Culture programme shines a national spotlight on the cultural life of cities, bringing opportunities for residents and visitors to experience creativity in new and exciting ways. Previous winners have seen lasting benefits: increased local pride, stronger community connections, and a boost to the local economy through tourism and investment. For Bristol, the ambition is clear: to use culture as a force for inclusion and opportunity.

Philip Walker, Head of Culture at Bristol City Council, said: “Our city is renowned for its creativity – from street art and music to festivals and independent venues. While we take pride in our city’s offer not everyone has equal access to cultural experiences. Barriers such as cost, location, and representation mean some communities feel disconnected from Bristol’s cultural offer.

“A bid for UK City of Culture would aim to change that. The UK City of Culture programme is about more than events and festivals – it’s about creating lasting change. For Bristol, this means cementing culture as a means to tackle inequality, strengthen communities, and inspire future generations. It means celebrating what makes the city special while opening doors for those who feel excluded. A Bristol approach is one that is rooted in its grassroots cultural scene – the community-led projects, local artists, and neighbourhood initiatives that give our city its distinctive character. By building from the ground up, our bid would seek to ensure that everyone, regardless of background or postcode, can experience and benefit from Bristol’s vibrant cultural life.

“We want to empower a whole city bid that captures the spirit of the sector and the communities of Bristol. Should the committee give us the go ahead to start the bidding process we want to build a bid on the power our cultural offer has to bring people together, foster understanding, and strengthen the voices of our communities.”

Image: Banksy's Girl with a Pierced Eardrum

Dr Anna Rutherford, Co-Chair One City Culture Board, said: “Culture is one of Bristol’s greatest assets - powering our economy, our identity, our health & wellbeing.

“Bristol is ready to be UK City of Culture: our city breathes creativity, we’re a city of makers, innovators and storytellers, with an international reputation and a fiercely local heartbeat. From Brunel and balloons, to Banksy, Aardman and Bristol Old Vic. From our Bottleyard and Beacon, to St Paul’s Carnival, Brabazon & Idles, the city is uniquely alive with civic and creative energy.

“As city’s globally grapple with fracturing communities, Bristol’s bid will embed togetherness and shared opportunity. Underpinned by our shared values of social, racial and environmental justice, the bid will build a playbook for unity, boldly celebrating the diversity that binds us and actively strengthening our communities. 

“A UK City of Culture year would grow the sector, attract visitors and partners, and offer a chance for civic renewal, leaving a lasting legacy of stronger communities, skills and civic pride.  Bristol’s Culture Board are proud to back a bid from the city.”

Image: Bristol Balloon Fiesta, credit Paul Box

LaToyah McAllister-Jones, Founding Partner & Lead Facilitator at Citizens for Culture, said: “After more than a decade working in Bristol’s cultural sector, I’ve seen first-hand the extraordinary breadth of creativity this city offers. As a Founding Partner of Citizens for Culture, Bristol is already shaping its cultural future with its citizens. This bid is about Bristol’s role in the wider West of England ecosystem and how UK City of Culture can deliver lasting regional benefit.”
The decision on whether to submit an expression of interest will be made by the council’s Strategy and Resources Policy Committee on 20 January. If approved, Bristol will join other cities in the race to become UK City of Culture 2029. The process involves several stages, starting with the expression of interest and leading to a shortlist of cities invited to develop full bids.

Winning the title would bring significant opportunities for Bristol – not just during the year of culture, but for years to come. It would attract visitors, create jobs, and strengthen the city’s cultural infrastructure. Most importantly, it would help ensure that culture is accessible to everyone, everywhere in Bristol.

Developing the Expression of Interest has been led by a collective of local culture leaders and organisations, giving their time and energy to make the case for Bristol. If approved, the submission will be at no cost to the council and should the city be invited to submit a full bid, a development grant of £60,000 would be available to support this work.

A future bid will be developed in partnership with cultural organisations, community groups, businesses, and residents. It will build on Bristol’s strengths while addressing its challenges, creating a vision for culture that is inclusive, sustainable, and transformative.