Milton Keynes to bid for UK City of Culture 2029

Milton Keynes City Council has confirmed that the city will bid for the UK City of Culture 2029 title, setting out an ambitious plan to celebrate Milton Keynes’ creativity, world‑renowned design heritage and forward‑looking cultural identity — with the potential to secure up to £10 million of national investment.

The UK City of Culture programme, led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), shines a spotlight on a city’s strengths while supporting new, transformative cultural activity. The winning place will receive £10 million to deliver its programme, with runners‑up receiving £125,000 and all longlisted areas receiving £60,000 to develop their proposals. Securing a place on the longlist would mark the first step in a major cultural opportunity for Milton Keynes.

Milton Keynes City Council is leading the bid, working in partnership with organisations from across the city, including The Open University, Stadium MK and Milton Keynes Islamic Arts and Culture. Residents, communities and strategic partners such as Universal will be invited to help shape the bid as it develops.

If successful, Milton Keynes’ City of Culture year would coincide with the opening of a major new £76 million, 4,000‑capacity venue in the city centre — an investment from Milton Keynes Development Partnership that will build on the city’s distinctive cultural offer.

Milton Keynes enters the competition with strong credentials. As a city designed from its inception to be innovative, inclusive and future‑focused, its bold urban planning and iconic modernist design have shaped both its identity and the lived experience of its residents. Today, Milton Keynes is home to one of the most resilient economies in the UK and a high quality of life that many larger cities aspire to. Eight million people can reach the city within 90 minutes, and millions are drawn to cultural landmarks such as Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes Theatre, MK Gallery and major events including IF: Milton Keynes International Festival.

While these strengths continue to grow, Milton Keynes’ cultural identity is still evolving. Gaining City of Culture status would accelerate this journey — unlocking new opportunities, championing local talent and strengthening pride of place. Celebrating the city’s design story, from the original grid roads to contemporary creative industries, will be a central part of the emerging bid.

The developing bid will also champion opportunity and inclusion. Plans include new pathways for young people through creative apprenticeships, support for emerging talent, and ‘Culture Kids MK’ — offering every baby born in 2029 five years of free cultural access. The bid will also explore how the city’s unique interplay of design, technology and innovation can inspire participation and new approaches to creativity.

The winner of the UK City of Culture 2029 title will be announced towards the end of 2026 after a year‑long assessment process involving longlisting, shortlisting and detailed review by an independent expert panel.

Further information will be made available on the city council’s website following submission.