(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
A North East MP has expressed his disappointment after Middlesbrough missed out on a place on the shortlist for UK City of Culture 2029.
Middlesbrough was one of nine locations competing for the title but missed out on the final four, which have been announced today (Thursday, October 22) as Blackpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham.
Andy McDonald praised Middlesbrough’s cultural scene and said the setback would not weaken its ambitions.
MP Andy McDonald. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
He said: "I had hoped to be celebrating a very positive announcement that Middlesbrough had been included in the City of Culture shortlist.
"Sadly, that is not the case as the artistic establishment have decided in their infinite wisdom not to include us.
"That is disappointing but I know Middlesbrough is a cultural powerhouse and we put in a really strong and very impressive bid.
"I want to shout out to all those brilliant people who shaped and led that.
"They put together a bold proposal that was really compelling, and I do not know why the panel haven't been persuaded."
Mr McDonald highlighted Middlesbrough’s recent cultural successes, including hosting the Turner Prize at the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, Art Week and the Twisterella Music Festival.
He also pointed to Middlesbrough’s growing reputation in gaming after the recent Game Republic New Horizons conference.
"We had 'the Father of the PlayStation' in town, a superstar of the gaming industry, and he was celebrating all the wonderful things that are going on here in our town," he said.
"The games that are created and developed in Middlesbrough are enjoyed by millions of people all over the world.
"This is a wonderfully creative space packed with digital innovators."
Mr McDonald said Middlesbrough would keep pushing forward with its cultural ambitions despite the disappointment.
He added: "This is a set-back but our town motto is Erimus: We Shall Be. And we shall. We've just got to dust ourselves down because quite frankly, we're going to do this anyway."
The UK City of Culture competition aims to use culture to drive regeneration, economic growth and community pride.
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Each of the four shortlisted locations will receive at least £125,000 to develop its bid, while the winner will get £10 million and hold the title in 2029.
The winner of UK City of Culture 2029 is due to be announced in early 2027.
More than 2,000 residents, community groups, arts organisations and businesses helped shape the bid, which proposed using the River Tees and industrial landmarks as settings for major events.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “For all those places that have not made the shortlist, your journey does not end here.
"Their energy, enthusiasm and cultural contribution is seen and valued and the bids you have created will open up opportunities for years to come."