Local arts and cultural groups unite behind Swindon’s 2029 UK City of Culture bid
“We’re backing the bid!” That was the clear message from Swindon’s arts and cultural organisations today as they came together to support the town’s ambition to become UK City of Culture 2029.
Published: Monday, 26th January 2026
Swindon Culture Collective, in partnership with Swindon Borough Council, formally announced the intention to bid at an event (26 Jan) hosted by Create Studios at the historic Carriage Works. The launch drew strong support from across Swindon’s artistic community, with representatives from a range of local groups in attendance, including partners from 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 joined the event, sharing their enthusiasm and highlighting what the bid could mean for future generations of local creatives.
Previous holders of the UK City of Culture title - Derry/Londonderry, Hull, Coventry and Bradford - have demonstrated how the programme can transform a place, driving economic and social benefits, strengthening communities, building local pride and attracting national and international partnerships.
The title is also proven to boost grassroots creativity, widen participation in the arts and bring significant new investment and tourism.
Because of its population size, Swindon is not eligible for the separate UK Town of Culture competition. This opens the door for it to compete 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.
Today’s announcement comes during Swinterfest, the music and arts festival currently taking place in the town. Swindon’s cultural calendar continues to expand, with major events including Swindon MELA, Swindon Paint Fest, Signal Festival, the Festival of Tomorrow and Shuffle.
Swindon is also home to nationally-recognised organisations such as Create Studios, Prime Theatre, Swindon Dance and Tangle Theatre, alongside thriving grassroots organisations and a growing independent network of artists, producers and community groups.
In August last year, Swindon Culture Collective CIC, a not-for-profit organisation, launched to increase participation, inclusion and celebrate Swindon’s creative life. It is delivering a two-year programme of cultural activity in the town, part funded by £600,000 from Arts Council England’s National Lottery Place Partnership Fund.
The Council is also continuing work to explore options for delivering a new state-of-the-art town centre entertainment venue to replace the ageing Wyvern Theatre. The project would enable Swindon to host a wider range of performances, including major West End touring productions, large-scale concerts and other significant events.
Swindon’s bid for UK City of Culture aligns with these ambitions, highlighting the important role the creative industries can play in supporting the town’s economic growth. An initial expression of interest, submitted at no additional cost to the Council, will celebrate Swindon’s identity and the people who make it a place of ideas, energy and progress.
The Government is expected to announce a longlist in March 2026, with each selected place receiving £60,000 to develop a full bid. A shortlist will follow in Autumn 2026, ahead of the final winner being 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.”
The bid application gives the Council the opportunity to showcase Swindon’s heritage, strengthening its cultural infrastructure and inspiring new collaborations across communities, organisations and sectors.
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.”
Gracie and Luca, two young people from Swindon Youth Voice, said: “It’s very exciting and interesting to see that Swindon is putting itself forward to be a City of Culture. There is so much history and heritage in Swindon that a lot of people aren’t taught in schools and, hopefully, this will bring attention to this and allow people to learn more about Swindon.”
Mark Flay, Local Partnership Manager from Zurich Community Trust, said: “I’m personally a big fan of Swindon as a town so was delighted to hear it continues to promote itself as a great place to be. Swindon has a wonderful community spirit, which I’m privileged to see every day through my role at Zurich Community Trust, with wonderful charities and community groups supporting those that need their help. Applying to be City of Culture for 2029 is another exiting aspect to the journey for the town.”
Swindon Borough Council and Swindon Culture Collective will continue to update residents and partners as the bid develops over the coming months.