Today the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) officially announced Blackpool has been shortlisted as one of the final four places to be named UK City of Culture 2029.
Blackpool will now compete with Wrexham, Sheffield and Milton Keynes to win the accolade, which would mean a £10M, year-long celebration of arts and culture for local people to enjoy, creating new jobs and opportunities across the Fylde coast.
Being crowned City of Culture could be transformative for the town, with countless leading figures in the town backing the bid alongside a raft of celebrities.
Check out some of the top names who have backed Blackpool’s bid below...
13. Swissport executive team brought their face to face meeting to Blackpool. Photo: Lucinda Herbert
Dave Lynch (left), a member of Swissport's board of directors | © National World Resell
16. Lizzi Collinge MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale
Lizzi Collinge MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale
18. Blackpool Illuminations Switch On 2026. Lucy Spraggan
Singer-songwriter Lucy Spraggan | National World