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- Wrexham installed as 1/2 favourite after longlist reveal
- Nine locations each receive ÂŁ60,000 funding boost
- Blackpool and Inverness lead chasing pack
Nine Locations Longlisted for 2029 City of Culture Title
The race to become UK City of Culture 2029 has officially begun, with nine locations across the UK named on the longlist.
Blackpool, Inverness-Highland, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Swindon and Wrexham have all been selected and will now each receive ÂŁ60,000 in funding to develop their bids.
The announcement comes amid growing interest in cultural initiatives, with over 230 towns also registering interest in the inaugural UK Town of Culture competition.
With the longlist now confirmed, betting experts have opened markets on which location will ultimately secure the prestigious title.
UK City of Culture 2029 Odds
| UK City of Culture 2029 | Odds* | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Wrexham | 1/2 | 66.67% |
| Blackpool | 6/4 | 40.00% |
| Inverness-Highland | 2/1 | 33.33% |
| Middlesbrough | 3/1 | 25.00% |
| Portsmouth | 4/1 | 20.00% |
| Swindon | 6/1 | 14.29% |
| Sheffield | 6/1 | 14.29% |
| Milton Keynes | 8/1 | 11.11% |
| Ipswich | 10/1 | 9.09% |
*As betting sites currently aren't taking bets on this event, odds have been compiled as theoretical probability from an entertainment perspective only and come from an industry expert
Wrexham Installed as Clear Favourite
Wrexham’s position at the top of the betting reflects its growing cultural profile in recent years, with significant investment and global attention boosting its credentials.
The Welsh city has undergone a notable transformation, and the experts clearly believe it has a strong case heading into the next stage of the competition.
At 1/2, the market indicates a high level of confidence in its chances.
Blackpool and Inverness Lead the Challenge
Blackpool sits second in the betting at 6/4, offering a strong alternative with its rich entertainment heritage and ongoing regeneration efforts.
Inverness-Highland at 2/1 also stands out, representing a broader regional bid that could appeal to judges looking for geographic diversity.
Middlesbrough (3/1) and Portsmouth (4/1) remain firmly in contention, while the rest of the field is priced as outsiders at this stage.
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Funding Boost Sets Stage for Competitive Bids
Each of the nine longlisted locations will now receive ÂŁ60,000 to support the development of detailed applications.
This next phase is crucial, as cities refine their cultural vision, infrastructure plans, and community engagement strategies.
Historically, the City of Culture title has delivered significant economic and tourism benefits, making this a highly competitive process.
Attention on Town Of Culture
Further eyes are on who will be crowned the UK's first ever Town of Culture with more than 200 registering for the first stage.
Back in March we looked at who could become the 2028 Town of Culture with Huddersfield leading the way.
