Reading considers City of Culture 2029 bid

Expression of interest to be submitted

Reading council, alongside the town’s cultural sector and partner organisations, intends to submit a joint expression of interest for the City of Culture 2029 competition.

If Reading is longlisted, a final decision on whether to proceed with a full bid will be made later this year.

About City of Culture

UK City of Culture is a national title awarded by the government every four years. It recognises places that show how culture benefits people and communities.

Culture includes arts, music, museums, heritage, festivals, theatre, food, sport, creativity and community activity.

Reading’s cultural strengths

Thirteen years on from Reading’s Year of Culture, the competition offers an opportunity to celebrate the town’s story and the people and places that shape it.

With a history spanning more than a millennium, from the Abbey Quarter to its modern role in digital innovation, Reading has a strong cultural foundation. The town is home to nine museums, nationally recognised theatre, major music events and a wide range of community-led festivals.

Next steps

The council has held early discussions with cultural partners and stakeholders about the expression of interest.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will review submissions and confirm a longlist. If selected, the council and its partners will receive further details before deciding whether to develop a full bid.

Councillor Liz Terry, Reading Borough Council Leader

“Reading is home to well-established cultural venues, festivals of national and regional significance, an active community and voluntary sector which is the envy of other towns and cities, creative organisations, businesses and other partners who already work together every day to bring huge benefits to the town and its residents. A City of Culture bid would offer us the opportunity to shout about Reading and everything which makes it such a wonderful place to live, work and visit.

As well as boosting pride and confidence in Reading, a successful bid would attract visitors and investment and further strengthen the local economy by supporting jobs in culture, hospitality and the wider creative industries.”

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture

“The Council is very clear that any potential bid would be a joint one, designed and driven by our town’s incredible cultural sector and our cultural partners. We have had preliminary discussions with partners on the merits of applying for City of Culture status and believe the best option is to submit an early expression of interest, which would allow us the time to explore the benefits of a full bid for Reading and its residents. The links and partnerships forged 13 years ago from Reading’s Year of Culture have strengthened over time and will now form the basis of any possible future bid.

This is the first time that the town has considered entering this national competition and we want to make sure it is right for Reading.”

Despite the City of Culture title, places do not need to be cities to apply or to win. Large towns are actively encouraged to go for City of Culture because the programme is designed for places with a strong cultural offer, established venues and the ability to deliver activity at scale. Government guidance is clear that larger towns should apply for City of Culture, rather than town-level programmes. As one of the largest towns in the UK, Reading would fit in this category.