MP welcomes Wrexham's shortlisting for UK Culture City

* Simon Baynes MP at Trevor Basin which is in his constituency and part of Wrexham.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has welcomed news that Wrexham County Borough, part of which is in his constituency, has been shortlisted for the UK City of Culture 2025.

Bradford, County Durham, Southampton and Wrexham County Borough comprise the shortlist of four for the prestigious title.

The four locations were approved by the UK Government based on independent advice made to the government by a panel of experts led by Sir Phil Redmond. 

The finalists were whittled down from a record twenty initial bids to eight outstanding longlist applications which also included Cornwall, Derby, Stirling and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon.

All bids were asked to explain how they would use culture to grow and strengthen their local area, as well as how they would use culture to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The vast benefits of winning the prestigious title include attracting millions of pounds in additional investment to help boost regeneration, a year in the cultural spotlight with hundreds of events encouraging long-lasting participation in the arts, and growth for local tourism.

Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart, said: “I am absolutely delighted to see Wrexham on the shortlist for UK City of Culture 2025. The bid has done a brilliant job flying the flag for Wales and reaching the final four against such high-standard competition.

“Wrexham already has much to be proud of – one of the oldest football clubs in the world in Wrexham FC, the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and an award-winning culture and arts hub in Ty Pawb. If the county is successful the UK City of Culture title will bring huge opportunities and I wish them every success.”

Simon Baynes said: “This is excellent news for Wrexham and the wider County Borough and I would like to congratulate Wrexham Council for putting together such an outstanding bid – which clearly impressed the expert panel. 

"As an area, we have so much going for us, and so much to be proud of, so I’m very glad to see this recognised. Like many others, I have my fingers crossed that we will win the bid, and reap the opportunities of the prestigious UK City of Culture 2025 title.”