On Friday 13 February 2026, we submitted an Expression of Interest to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for Peterborough to be named UK City of Culture 2029.
What is the UK City of Culture?
The UK City of Culture is a national initiative run by the Government, designed to use culture as a catalyst for long-term change. It invites cities to present a clear cultural vision that reflects local identity, engages communities and delivers lasting social, economic and creative impact beyond a single year of activity.
Why this bid matters
Peterborough is entering the competition because this is a pivotal moment for the city. Shaped by heritage, industry and migration, Peterborough has a rich and diverse cultural life that is not always visible or recognised.
Our Expression of Interest is a statement of intent to tell a more confident, inclusive story about the city, to place culture at the heart of neighbourhoods as well as civic life, and to use this opportunity to build pride, participation and long-term benefit for everyone who calls Peterborough home.
How the bid works
The bid is being led by the council, working alongside community leaders from across the city, and supported by partners including the Peterborough Tourist Board, Inspire Education Group, Peterborough Positive and the Peterborough Cultural Alliance. Together, this partnership brings civic leadership, grassroots voices, culture, education, skills and communities into a single, collaborative ambition for the city.
The Expression of Interest is backed by Councillor Shabina Qayyum, Leader of Peterborough City Council, and by Peterborough MPs Andrew Pakes and Sam Carling, demonstrating strong civic and political support for the city’s cultural future.
Submitting an Expression of Interest will not cost local taxpayers anything. The work is being delivered using existing capacity, partnership working and in-kind support. Any future stages would be subject to separate decisions, and only the winning city receives UK Government funding. If Peterborough was successful, the City of Culture programme would be delivered through significant national investment and other external funding, rather than local council budgets.
Initially the Government will announce a long-list of bids and this is expected in March 2026. Further work will then be required in advance of a short-list of bids being announced.
Peterborough enters the UK City of Culture 2029 race
Peterborough has confirmed that it is entering the race to become UK City of Culture 2029, with an Expression of Interest (EOI) being submitted to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.