Swindon’s cultural community rally behind 2029 UK City of Culture bid
Local arts and cultural groups have come together in support of Swindon’s ambition to become UK City of Culture 2029, declaring a collective “We’re backing the bid!”
Swindon Culture Collective, in partnership with Swindon Borough Council, formally announced the intention to bid on 26th January at an event hosted by Create Studios at the historic Carriage Works. Representatives from across the town’s cultural landscape attended, including Swindon Music Service, Swindon Heritage Preservation, Swindon Festival of Literature, Wyvern Theatre, Zurich Community Trust and Swindon Youth Voice.
Young producers from Swindon’s Signal Festival also took part, sharing their enthusiasm and highlighting what the bid could mean for future generations of local creatives.
Previous UK City of Culture winners – Derry/Londonderry, Hull, Coventry and Bradford – have shown how the programme can transform places, boost local pride, strengthen communities and attract national and international investment. The title also helps grow grassroots creativity, widen participation and drive tourism.
Due to its population size, Swindon is not eligible for the UK Town of Culture competition. This means it can compete directly for UK City of Culture, with the potential to secure up to £10m to deliver a year-long programme of arts, heritage and cultural activity.
The bid announcement coincides with Swinterfest, the music and arts festival currently taking place in the town. Swindon’s cultural calendar continues to strengthen with events including Swindon MELA, Swindon Paint Fest, Signal Festival, the Festival of Tomorrow and Shuffle. Nationally recognised organisations such as Create Studios, Prime Theatre, Swindon Dance and Tangle Theatre sit alongside a growing independent community of artists and producers.
In August last year, Swindon Culture Collective CIC launched as a not‑for‑profit organisation to champion participation and celebrate the town’s creative life. It is delivering a two‑year programme of activity, partly funded by £600,000 from Arts Council England’s National Lottery Place Partnership Fund.
Alongside this, Swindon Borough Council continues to explore options for a new town centre entertainment venue to replace the ageing Wyvern Theatre. This would allow Swindon to host a wider range of performances, including major touring productions and large-scale events.
The City of Culture bid aligns with these ambitions, highlighting the role the creative industries can play in supporting the town’s growth. An initial expression of interest, submitted at no additional cost to the Council, will champion Swindon’s identity and the people who make it a place of ideas, energy and progress.
A Government longlist is expected in March 2026. Selected places will receive £60,000 to develop a full bid, with a shortlist announced in Autumn 2026 and the final winner confirmed in Winter 2026.
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, said, “Swindon is a town built by thinkers, makers, learners and doers. We were always driven by creativity and innovation to make the town an important industrial and civic showcase. Becoming UK City of Culture would give us the chance to celebrate who we are, tell new stories and open possibilities for residents, businesses and visitors.
“I am confident that the bid to become City of Culture will be supported by our plans for a new regional entertainment venue in the town centre. We are currently working on building a solid funding plan for the venue as part of our continued belief in Swindon as a brilliant place and a cultural powerhouse.”
Dr Roderick Hebden, CEO of Swindon Culture Collective, said, “This is exactly the right time for Swindon to be making this statement of intent. As a town, we’re now recognised not just for the quality and diversity of our cultural offer, but for the way the whole town has come together to imagine our future together. Our Place Partnership Project will build on that success and create the momentum needed to develop our City of Culture ambitions.”
Young people from Swindon Youth Voice added that the bid could shine a light on Swindon’s history and heritage, much of which they feel is not widely taught or known.
Mark Flay from Zurich Community Trust described the bid as “another exciting aspect of the journey for the town,” reflecting the strong community spirit he sees daily through his work.
Swindon Borough Council and Swindon Culture Collective will continue to update residents and partners as the bid progresses over the coming months.
Pictured above: Partners came together at Create Studios in the Carriage Works for the launch of Swindon’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2029. Image supplied by Swindon Borough Council
