UK CITY OF CULTURE BID

Peterborough is entering the race to become UK City of Culture 2029 and wouldn’t it be amazing to see this happen?

ESP Magaizne has been championing all the good stuff in the city since 1998 so we’re delighted to see that an Expression of Interest (EOI) has been submitted to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

The bid is being led by Peterborough City Council, working alongside community leaders from across the city, and supported by partners including the Peterborough Tourist Board, Inspire Education Group, Peterborough Positive and the Peterborough Cultural Alliance.

We have long shouted about all the positive things there are to do, see and enjoy in our city and hope everyone will get behind this.

Submitting an Expression of Interest will not cost local taxpayers anything and doesn’t commit the city to future expenditure. The work is being delivered using existing capacity, partnership working and in-kind support.

Any future stages would be subject to separate decisions, and only the winning city receives UK Government funding. If Peterborough was successful, the City of Culture programme would be delivered through significant national investment and other external funding, rather than local council budgets.

UK City of Culture is one of the most competitive culture-led programmes in the country, and the city is realistic about the challenge. Entering the 2029 race is not framed as a single moment or a guaranteed outcome, but as part of a longer-term journey to strengthen Peterborough’s identity, confidence and national profile.

Leader of Peterborough City Council, Councillor Shabina Qayyum, said: "We are a city with extraordinary heritage and depth. From our 900-year-old Cathedral and its place in national history, to our rich archaeology, diverse communities and the landscapes that surround us, Peterborough has a story that deserves to be better known."

Andrew Pakes MP said: “Peterborough is a city with a remarkable story, shaped by history, migration, industry and creativity, yet too often underestimated beyond our borders.

"Entering the UK City of Culture 2029 process is about having the confidence to tell that story properly and to give our communities a national platform. This is not just about a title, but about backing culture as a driver of pride, opportunity and long-term renewal across the whole city.”

Pep Cipriano, Peterborough Positive, added: “This is about confidence in Peterborough as a place to invest, visit and grow. Culture plays a vital role in creating vibrant city centres, supporting local businesses and attracting talent.

"Entering the UK City of Culture 2029 process sends a strong signal that Peterborough is ambitious, open and moving forward together. It builds momentum, strengthens collaboration and helps create the conditions for long-term economic and cultural growth.”

For further information about Peterborough’s UK City of Culture 2029 Expression of Interest, visit: www.discoverpeterborough.co.uk/peterborough2029