City of Culture 2025: Powys falls at first hurdle

It was a long shot, but Powys has fallen at the first hurdle in the running to be named UK's City of Culture for 2025.

The county submitted a bid alongside 19 other cities and areas, but Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries last night revealed the longlist of candidates, with Powys not included.

Wales is still represented through Wrexham, who will battle it out with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Bradford, Cornwall, County Durham, Derby, Southampton, and Stirling for the title.

Powys County Council had backed their bid with new social media pages, and was hoping that the UK Government’s ‘levelling up’ programme would look favourably on Powys, but the disappointing news has been broken that it wasn’t to be this time.

“Winning the UK City of Culture competition has a hugely positive impact on an area, driving investment, creating jobs, and highlighting that culture is for everyone, regardless of their background,” said Ms Dorries.

“This year’s focus is on levelling up access to culture across the country and making sure there is a legacy that continues for generations to come. I look forward to seeing what this brilliant longlist has in store as they continue in the competition.”

The shortlist will now be studied by a panel of experts to finalise their bids before the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) finalises a shortlist early next year.

The winner will be announced in spring 2022 and will follow Coventry’s tenure as UK City of Culture 2021 to take the lead on culture in the UK in 2025.