Sheffield longlisted for UK City of Culture 2029

Sheffield is celebrating after being named on the longlist to become UK City of Culture 2029.

The city is one of nine places across the UK to be longlisted and  area will now receive £60,000 to develop a full bid.This marks important recognition of the city’s ambition to showcase its creativity, talent and identity on a national and international stage.

This recognition reinforces what we all know - that Sheffield is one of the UK’s most exciting cultural places and reflects the confidence, momentum and creative energy building across the city.

Home to globally influential music, film, art, gaming, major events, performance and a world-class grassroots cultural scene, Sheffield’s bid is rooted in community, creativity and pride of place.

The longlist announcement coincides with a huge wave of national interest in culture-led transformation, but Sheffield’s submission stands apart – centred on a culture made with and by the people, powered by independence, collaboration and a long history of creativity that starts in its neighbourhoods and reaches across the world. It reflects the ambition to take Sheffield to the world and bring the world to Sheffield.

Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: "We are incredibly proud that our city has been longlisted for UK City of Culture 2029. Sheffield inspires and our city has always been powered by creativity. We don’t just put culture on a stage, we live it, make it and share it with the world. Grown from the ground up, our culture is shaped by everyone that calls Sheffield home.

Culture isn’t separate from how Sheffield grows, it’s part of how we build a stronger, more confident city. It brings people in, creates jobs and joy, supports our independent artists and businesses, and helps talent choose to stay and build their future here.

This is a brilliant moment for our city and a chance to showcase the confidence, creativity and ambition that defines Sheffield today. Let’s dream big and celebrate loudly!"

A city powered by creativity
Sheffield’s creative sector is one of the fastest growing in the UK. Nearly 25,000 creatives live and work in the city and wider region, contributing over £1bn a year to the economy. Culture is already embedded in the city’s long-term plans for growth, skills, talent and international reputation.

The longlisting recognises the excellent work already underway in the city, including Harmony Works, the new home for inspirational music education; Events Central - a new Cultural Industries Hub on Fargate; growth planned for the Castlegate heritage quarter; continued investment in Sheffield Museums; and new opportunities linked to the city’s thriving media, music and digital sectors.

Ground-up, city-wide and community-led
Sheffield’s bid is intentionally ambitious and inclusive: a whole-city programme which will be shaped with residents, cultural organisations, education partners, businesses and community groups. The vision spans all seven hills – from rural villages to the city centre – and celebrates Sheffield’s identity as a city of makers, activists, artists, technologists, performers and storytellers.

The themes Our Voice, Our Place, Our People will guide a programme that boosts local pride, grows cultural participation in every neighbourhood and showcases Sheffield to the world.

Next steps
Sheffield will now begin developing its full bid, building on its Culture Strategy, co-created with communities and praised nationally for its collaborative approach,  and working with partners across the city to shape a programme that is bold, inclusive and transformative.

The UK City of Culture 2029 winner is expected to be announced later this year.