Sheffield SHORTLISTED for UK City of Culture!

Sheffield has been shortlisted in the race to become UK City of Culture 2029, marking a major milestone in the city's ambitious bid and recognition of its thriving cultural scene.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport today announced that Sheffield is among the places selected to progress to the next stage of the prestigious UK City of Culture competition.

The news follows months of work by partners, cultural organisations, artists, communities, businesses and residents from across the city, who have come together behind a shared vision for Sheffield's cultural future.

Being shortlisted places Sheffield one step closer to securing the title, which could bring significant investment, national profile and opportunities for local people, communities and creative organisations.

Sheffield's bid celebrates the city's rich industrial heritage, outstanding natural environment and reputation as a place where creativity thrives. It aims to demonstrate how culture can help create opportunities, strengthen communities and support economic growth across the city - from Grassroots to Global.

The next stage of the competition will see shortlisted places welcome the expert panel of judges to each city and present their proposals, before the eventual winner of UK City of Culture 2029 is announced in early 2027. The winner will receive a £10 million prize from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, while each of the three runners-up will receive £125,000 to take forward elements of their bids. This means Sheffield will receive funding regardless of the final outcome.

We're not done yet

Culture Sheffield (the team behind the bid) are not stopping at the shortlist; Sheffield wants the title! 

They will now be preparing to host the Expert Panel who will visit Sheffield in the coming months. The visit will showcase the vision and ambition of Sheffield’s bid with a chance for the judges to meet partners, explore venues and neighbourhoods, and take part in cultural activity.

The day will be rounded off with a showstopper performance that shows the judges what Sheffield is made of. There will then be a presentation of Sheffield's bid to the Expert Panel in early 2027, and the judges will make their final decision. 

A huge thank you to everyone who came to the engagement events, filled out the survey or carried out community conversations. And as ever, thank you to everyone who makes this city’s creative and cultural scene what it is.  

From grassroots to global, this is our city of culture. 

Just one last hurdle to go.