Wrexham through to next round of city of culture competition
Wrexham is through to the next round of the competition to become the UK City of Culture for 2025.
Every four years, a town or city is given the title of UK City of Culture – helping to raise its profile, boost its local economy and highlight everything that’s good about the location.
On Friday, it was announced that the north Wales city has been named on the UK Government's 'longlist'.
Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Wrexham has been included in the longlist – it’s fantastic news and a real achievement given how strong the competition is.
“There’s still a long way to go, but Wrexham is a wonderful place full of culture, industry and creativity, and whatever happens, we can look forward to the future with confidence and optimism.”
The county borough is one of 20 places to throw its hat in the ring, but only eight locations have made it onto the longlist.
Longlist:
· Armagh City
· Banbridge and Craigavon
· Bradford, Cornwall
· County Durham
· Derby
· Southampton
· Stirling
· Wrexham County Borough
Wrexham Council says that getting to this stage has been a team effort, and a special mention should be given to Ty Pawb, which has played a key role in making culture accessible and attractive to everyone in Wrexham.
Welsh Secretary Simon Hart wished Wrexham well in the bid to become the first Welsh winner of the competition.
He said: “In a fantastic field of UK City of Culture bids, Wrexham has done extremely well to fly the flag for Wales by reaching the longlist.
“I wish them every success as they seek to become the first Welsh holder of the UK City of Culture title with all the opportunities it will bring to an area of huge cultural pedigree which contains the World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, one of the world’s oldest football clubs in Wrexham FC and the Stiwt Theatre.”
UK Government Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said that Wrexham's bid "showed huge promise".
Wales’ Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden is "delighted" that the borough has reached the next round.
She added: “We have a unique and wonderful culture here in Wales, which we’re all incredibly proud of. I want the world to know how wonderful it is too!
“Being named UK City of Culture 2025 would be truly transformational for Wrexham, and would be a real boost as we look forward to a brighter, more prosperous future.
"Congratulations to all at Team Wrexham, and the best of luck for the next stages of the competition!"
The current city of culture title-holder is Coventry.
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