Plymouth not selected for next stage of UK City of Culture competition
18 March 2026
Plymouth has just heard that is hasn’t been longlisted and will not progress to the next stage of the UK City of Culture 2029 competition. While this is very disappointing news for the city, the bid process has already shown the strength of Plymouth’s cultural ambition and the extraordinary level of support for culture from residents, creatives, businesses, organisations and communities across the city.
Over the course of the Expression of Interest phase The Box, Plymouth Culture and partners across the city were overwhelmed by the response to the bid. We were thrilled to see a wealth of support; from artists and communities across the city sharing ideas, pride and optimism about what culture means to Plymouth and what it could help the city achieve in the future.
Of course, we are hugely disappointed that Plymouth hasn’t been longlisted.
However, this process has reinforced something we already knew: Plymouth has an incredible story to tell, a vibrant and ambitious cultural sector, and communities who care deeply about the future of the city.
The response to the bid has been overwhelmingly positive, with visible support shown right across Plymouth. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who shared their ideas, championed the bid and helped build momentum over the past few weeks.
The conversations, partnerships and energy created through this process do not end here. We are committed to building on that momentum and continuing to champion culture as a vital part of Plymouth’s future. We will bring forward a proposal for how we take forward this great work in a way that is right for Plymouth and on our terms.
Victoria Pomery, CEO of The Box and Head of Culture for Plymouth City Council, and Hannah Harris, CEO of Plymouth Culture
Cllr Jemima Laing, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council, said:
While this is clearly disappointing, it does not change our belief in Plymouth, in the strength of our cultural sector, or in the role that culture can play in the city’s future.
This process has brought people together, sparked important conversations and highlighted the pride so many people feel in Plymouth and its communities. We remain ambitious for the city and for the role of culture in shaping a more connected, creative and inclusive future, and we will continue to support that work in the months and years ahead.
The bid process created new momentum and galvanised the city, bringing together partners, stakeholders and communities around a shared vision for culture.
The Box Plymouth, Plymouth Culture and partners will now reflect on what has been learned through the process, and explore how the ideas, partnerships and public support generated through the bid can continue to inform and strengthen Plymouth’s cultural future.
The city’s cultural journey continues, and the energy generated through this process has shown there is a strong appetite to keep building on the momentum created.
For more information about Plymouth’s cultural work and future opportunities to get involved, visit www.plymouthculture.co.uk.