Blackpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham have been shortlisted to become the UK’s City of Culture 2029.

The winner will be announced in May and will be the fifth city to wear the title, after Derry-Londonderry, Hull, Coventry and Bradford.

The City of Culture title is given to a different city every four years. Each of the shortlisted cities will now get at least £125,000 from the government to do more work on their bid.

The winner will be given £10m to host a year of cultural events and activities based on its “local strengths and stories”.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the shortlisted cities “have shown the pride that exists in their places with the incredible culture on their doorsteps”.

Three of the challengers are in England, one in Wales. They were selected from a longlist of nine that also featured Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth, Swindon and Inverness.

The cities that have been shortlisted are:

Blackpool

What is it famous for? Its iconic Blackpool Tower, Pleasure Beach and Illuminations. It is also the venue for a large dance festival and a yearly visit from Strictly Come Dancing. The Showtown museum celebrates Blackpool’s history as a show-biz and comedy capital.

What have they told you? Blackpool has entertained people for generations, and now we have the opportunity to show the country what we’re made of, said Blackpool Council leader Councillor Lynn Williams.

She added: “Blackpool has never been a town that stands still. It is a proud working-class culture that has always been about bringing people together, having fun and getting things done.”

Milton Keynes

What is it famous for? Milton Keynes was built in the 60s and 70s and is famous for its US-style grid road system and lots of roundabouts. It is home to the historic World War II codebreaking centre, Bletchley Park, now a museum, and the National Bowl, an amphitheatre that has hosted performances by Oasis, Queen and David Bowie.

What have they told you? Milton Keynes’ bid said it was “a city built on imagination – a place where innovation, diversity and creativity flourish side by side”.

Milton Keynes City Council leader, Councillor Jane Carr, said: “We are now on the cusp of our 60th birthday and have so much to look forward to in this landmark year and beyond.

Sheffield

What is it famous for? Sheffield, once the heartland of steel and cutlery manufacturing, is now better known for its musical exports, the Arctic Monkeys and Pulp, its annual documentary film festival and the Crucible, one of the leading theatres outside London.

What did they say? Sheffield’s bid stressed the city’s “world-renowned creative heritage, as well as our ambitious future plans”.

“Sheffield is a city built on creativity, innovation and community spirit…Culture is part of who we are,” said city council leader councillor Fran Belbin, celebrating its place on the shortlist.

Wrexham

What is it famous for? The largest city in North Wales was a powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution and most recently hit the headlines when its historic football club Wrexham AFC was bought by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. 

What have they said so far? The bid said: “Our ambition is simple but bold: to make Wrexham the world’s most playful place.”

Joanna Knight OBE, chair of the Wrexham bid, styled as Wrecsam2029, said: “There is a real feeling that there is something very special happening here. Just think if you were the first Welsh UK.