Reading considers City of Culture bid for 2029

A bid for Reading to become the UK's City of Culture in 2029, despite it being a town, is being considered by its borough council and cultural bodies.

The authority said it has held "preliminary conversations with partners and key stakeholders" about submitting an expression of interest later.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport will consider applicants before drawing up a longlist.

Council leader Liz Terry said winning the title would "offer the opportunity to shout about Reading and everything which makes it such a wonderful place to live, work and visit".

Despite previously failing to get city status, the council said large towns like Reading are being "actively encouraged" to bid for City of Culture status.

"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," Terry added.

If successful, Reading could receive up to £10m and follow previous winners Derry, Hull, Coventry and Bradford, which held the title in 2025.

"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," Adele Barnett-Ward, the council's lead councillor for leisure and culture, said.

"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."

The government said there are "clear" benefits of holding the UK City of Culture title.

It said research showed it "stimulated additional investment of over £1bn and that more than 70% of attendees to UK City of Culture events [felt] a greater sense of pride".