Nine places across the UK have been longlisted for the UK City of Culture 2029 title, the Government has announced.
Blackpool, Inverness-Highland, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Swindon and Wrexham will now progress to the next stage of the competition.
Each location will receive £60,000 in development funding to support full applications, as they set out how culture can drive regeneration, investment and community pride.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said the title has a strong track record of delivering economic growth, attracting visitors and creating jobs in previous host areas.
The winner, due to be announced later this year, will receive £10m to deliver a year-long cultural programme in 2029.
