MK City Council announce plans for 2029 UK City of Culture bid

Milton Keynes City Council has announced the city plans to bid for the UK City of Culture 2029 title.

The UK City of Culture programme, led by the government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), is intended to shine a spotlight on a city’s strengths and support new, transformative cultural activity.

The winning place receives £10 million of national investment 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 have said they plan to lead 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.

The City Council backed their bid by saying, “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.”

MK City Council also added that their developing bid was also intended to 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.

Cllr Shanika Mahendran, Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking, said, “Becoming a City of Culture in 2029 would be a powerful moment for Milton Keynes — a chance to build on our bold design heritage, supercharge our cultural offer, and show the rest of the country why this is one of the most exciting, inventive and welcoming cities in the UK. This is about celebrating the spirit of Milton Keynes and shaping our next chapter together.”

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.