With only weeks remaining before Ipswich submits its formal pitch to become the UK’s City of Culture in 2029, the town has launched a major public campaign urging everyone who lives, works or studies here to get behind the bid. Details on how you can get behind the bid as an individual or organisation at the end of this article.
The #BackTheBid drive was unveiled this week, calling on residents, schools, cultural organisations and businesses to show their support ahead of the 8 February deadline for the first stage of the competition, known as the “Expression of Interest”.
Organisations behind the bid stress that the campaign is not about a small group of insiders trying to deliver change on behalf of the town. Instead, they argue, it is a shared effort – one that works only if thousands of voices shape it.
“We want this EOI to reflect culture in its widest sense,” says DanceEast’s Chief Executive Anthony Missen, whose organisation is writing the first-round submission.
Culture, he argues, should be understood as more than theatre tickets or museum walls. “It must embrace all the diverse ways people come together to live, play and connect in Ipswich.” And crucially, he says, young people must be “at the heart” of shaping those plans.
A campaign that belongs to the town
The City of Culture competition takes place every four years, open to any UK town or city of sufficient size. Winning places host a year-long programme of events and receive a £10 million investment package, with longlisted applicants awarded £60,000 to develop their bids further – funding Ipswich hopes to secure as a first step.
Town leaders say the stakes feel unusually high. “Becoming the City of Culture would be transformational,” says Ipswich Central Chief Executive Lee Walker, who has been helping steer the project. “For our economy, our communities and for how the town is perceived across the UK and internationally.” Walker describes the #BackTheBid campaign as a chance for “unity and pride”, encouraging everyone “who cares about Ipswich and the future of the town to get involved”.
For MP Jack Abbott, who pushed the idea from his first days in Parliament, the case is as practical as it is emotional. “This is Ipswich’s regeneration project,” he says. “It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock investment, jobs and opportunities for the next generation.” Abbott believes the bid can tell the story of a town on the rise, while also attracting money, talent and attention that would stay long after 2029.
Culture as catalyst – not decoration
Repeated across the remarks of all the bid partners is a shared belief: culture is not a luxury, but a tool for change. Councillor Neil MacDonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, stresses that the bid “belongs to the people of Ipswich”, calling it a statement of ambition and confidence after years where national decision-making often overlooked towns like Ipswich. “With just one month to go,” he says, “#BackTheBid is a chance for residents, businesses and communities to come together, show their pride and help us make the strongest possible case.”
Anchoring that message are organisations already pledging their support – not only arts bodies, but cornerstones of town life.
Alan Pease, Principal of Suffolk New College, describes his institution as an “anchor” for young people. He sees the bid as a way to put those young people centre stage. “Supporting this bid is about enhancing opportunities for our learners and promoting Ipswich as the desirable and diverse destination it is.”
A growing coalition
The list of backers is growing by the week. Ipswich Town Football Club publicly endorses the campaign, linking culture and community strength. “The bid is about celebrating everything that’s good about our town,” says club chairman Mark Ashton, “and shining a light on the many successes and areas of life which bring us all together.” Ashton frames the bid as a moment for Ipswich to show ambition – and urges residents to “sign up and play a part”.
Other sponsors already confirmed include Birketts and Churchmanor Estates, with more expected to join in the coming weeks.
Behind the scenes, the mechanics of the competition are clear. Places submit an initial Expression of Interest answering five questions. Up to eight will be longlisted and receive support to develop full bids for the second round, before a final shortlist is chosen later in 2026. The successful place will host its City of Culture year in 2029.
Why now – and why Ipswich?
After years of starts and stops, town leaders argue Ipswich has momentum. The regeneration of the Waterfront has changed the face of the town centre; new festivals and creative spaces have taken root; DanceEast, the New Wolsey Theatre and a network of independent organisations have kept cultural life alive.
Now, the aim is to knit those successes together into a shared story – one that reflects Ipswich’s heritage, its vibrancy today, and the ambitions of a town keen to be seen and recognised.
Missen believes the bid is a chance to prove what Ipswich already knows about itself. “We want to show the world what Ipswich can achieve when we come together.” That sense of shared ownership appears central to the campaign’s success.
Everyone can play a part
Whether Ipswich goes on to win or simply reaches the next round, campaign organisers say the process itself could leave a legacy – building partnerships, boosting confidence and helping redefine how the town sees itself.
As Abbott puts it, supporting the bid means becoming “part of something truly special”. The message from those leading the effort is clear: this is Ipswich’s moment – and it starts with people signing up and backing the bid at this link.
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