Swindon’s arts and cultural organisations have come together to support the town’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2029.
The bid was officially launched on Monday, 26 January 2026, at Create Studios in the historic Carriage Works, bringing together partners from across Swindon’s creative sector.
The announcement was made by Swindon Culture Collective, in partnership with Swindon Borough Council. The launch event was attended by representatives from a wide range of local organisations, including Swindon Music Service, Swindon Heritage Preservation, Swindon Festival of Literature, Wyvern Theatre, Zurich Community Trust and Swindon Youth Voice.
Young producers from Signal Festival also took part, sharing their excitement and speaking about what the City of Culture bid could mean for future generations of creatives in Swindon.
The impact of UK City of Culture
Previous UK City of Culture places Derry/Londonderry, Hull, Coventry and Bradford have shown how the programme can bring real change. The title has helped places grow their local economies, strengthen communities, build pride and attract new national and international partnerships.
It has also supported grassroots creativity, increased access to the arts and boosted investment and tourism.
Due to its population size, Swindon is not eligible for the UK Town of Culture programme. This allows the town to compete for UK City of Culture, with the potential to secure up to £10 million to deliver a year-long programme of cultural, arts and heritage activity.
A strong and growing cultural scene
The announcement was made during Swinterfest, the music and arts festival currently taking place in the town. Swindon’s cultural calendar continues to grow, with major events including Swindon MELA, Swindon Paint Fest, Signal Festival, Festival of Tomorrow and Shuffle.
Swindon is also home to nationally recognised organisations such as Create Studios, Prime Theatre, Swindon Dance and Tangle Theatre, alongside a strong network of grassroots artists, producers and community groups.
In August last year, Swindon Culture Collective CIC launched as a not-for-profit organisation focused on increasing participation, inclusion and celebrating Swindon’s creative life. It is currently delivering a two-year programme of activity, part funded by £600,000 from Arts Council England’s National Lottery Place Partnership Fund.
Swindon Borough Council is also exploring options for a new town-centre entertainment venue to replace the ageing Wyvern Theatre. The proposed venue would allow the town to host a wider range of performances, including large touring productions, concerts and major events.
The City of Culture bid supports these ambitions and highlights the role the creative industries can play in Swindon’s economic growth. An initial expression of interest has been submitted at no additional cost to the Council, celebrating Swindon’s identity and the people who shape the town.
The Government is expected to announce a longlist in March 2026, with selected places receiving £60,000 to develop a full bid. A shortlist will follow in Autumn 2026, with the winning place announced in Winter 2026.
What people are saying
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning at Swindon Borough Council, said Swindon has always been shaped by creativity, innovation and ambition. She added that becoming UK City of Culture would offer new opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors, and support plans for a new regional entertainment venue in the town centre.
Dr Roderick Hebden, CEO of Swindon Culture Collective, said the bid reflects how the town has come together to imagine its future and build momentum for culture-led growth.
Gracie and Luca from Swindon Youth Voice said the bid could help shine a light on Swindon’s history and heritage, giving more people the chance to learn about the town.
Mark Flay, Local Partnership Manager at Zurich Community Trust, said the bid reflects Swindon’s strong community spirit and its continued journey as a great place to live and be part of.
Swindon Borough Council and Swindon Culture Collective will continue to share updates as the bid progresses.
