Wrexham is through to the next round of the competition to become the UK City of Culture 2025.
Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, said:
“I’m absolutely delighted that Wrexham has been included in the longlist – it’s fantastic news and a real achievement given how strong the competition is.
“There’s still a long way to go, but Wrexham is a wonderful place full of culture, industry and creativity, and whatever happens, we can look forward to the future with confidence and optimism.”
The county borough is one of 20 places to throw its hat in the ring, and was named on the UK Government’s ‘longlist’ earlier today.
Only eight locations have made it onto the longlist. These are:
- Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon
- Bradford
- Cornwall
- County Durham
- Derby
- Southampton
- Stirling
- Wrexham County Borough
Every four years, a town or city is given the title of UK City of Culture – helping to raise its profile, boost its local economy and highlight everything that’s good about the location.
The current title-holder is Coventry.
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Wrexham Council says that getting to this stage has been a team effort, and a special mention should be given to Ty Pawb, which has played a key role in making culture accessible and attractive to everyone in Wrexham.
UK Government Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said:
“Culture is for everyone, regardless of their background and I’m delighted that the bids from our eight longlisted places will help areas across the UK level up by increasing access to culture.
“I wish all our successful bids luck in the next phase of the competition. Wrexham County Borough’s bid showed huge promise and I look forward to seeing what they have in store.”
Welsh Secretary Simon Hart said:
“In a fantastic field of UK City of Culture bids, Wrexham has done extremely well to fly the flag for Wales by reaching the longlist.
“I wish them every success as they seek to become the first Welsh holder of the UK City of Culture title with all the opportunities it will bring to an area of huge cultural pedigree which contains the World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, one of the world’s oldest football clubs in Wrexham FC and the Stiwt Theatre.”
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