Internationally acclaimed Welsh actor and musician Rhys Ifans has thrown his support behind Wrexham’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2029, adding his voice to the growing campaign as the city prepares to welcome competition judges at the end of November.
Born in Haverfordwest and raised in Ruthin, Rhys has strong connections to North Wales and is one of Wales’s most recognisable international stars. Beginning his career in Welsh-language television on S4C, he went on to achieve worldwide recognition through roles in Notting Hill, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, The Amazing Spider-Man and, more recently, HBO’s House of the Dragon.
His support represents another significant boost for Wrecsam2029, which aims to showcase Wrexham’s extraordinary cultural heritage, creative talent and diverse communities to audiences across the UK and beyond.
Rhys Ifans said:
“I’m supporting the Wrecsam2029 bid, because it’s Wrexham’s time and it’s Wales’s time. We’ve got the musicians, the artists, the actors, the directors, the filmmakers, and if Wrexham gets to put on the year that it’s promising it’ll really put Wales, as well as Wrexham, on the map as one of the great centres for creativity and arts.”
Kate Wasserberg, Artistic Director at Theatr Clwyd and Trustee of Wrexham Community & Culture Trust, said:
“To have someone of Rhys Ifans’ extraordinary talent and international recognition supporting Wrexham’s bid is absolutely fantastic. Rhys is a proud Welsh creative talent with deep roots in North Wales, and his career demonstrates just how far Welsh creativity can reach.
“At Theatr Clwyd, we know the importance of nurturing creative talent and providing opportunities for people to discover their potential. Rhys understands the cultural richness of this region, and having his support sends a powerful message about what Wrexham and North Wales have to offer. It’s incredibly exciting to have him behind this campaign.”
Rhys Ifans joins a growing list of high-profile supporters backing Wrexham’s bid to become the first Welsh host of UK City of Culture. He joins fellow celebrity ambassadors including Matthew Rhys, Ruth Jones, Mark Lewis Jones, Carol Vorderman, Neck Deep, Colin Jackson and Siân Phillips, all lending their support to Wrexham’s ambition to bring the prestigious title to Wales for the first time.
What happens next?
Wrexham is one of four places shortlisted for the prestigious UK City of Culture 2029 title, with the winning location set to receive £10 million in UK Government funding to deliver a year-long cultural programme.
An expert advisory panel appointed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will visit Wrexham at the end of November to experience the county’s cultural offer first-hand.
The Wrecsam2029 bid team will then deliver a final presentation to the panel in mid-January, ahead of the winner being announced in early 2027.
