Milton Keynes Shortlisted for £10m UK City of Culture Prize
The city, named one of the best places to live and work in the UK in 2025, is now in the running for the top cultural award in 2029, highlighting its vibrant events and artistic talents
Milton Keynes has been shortlisted as one of four places for the UK City of Culture contest in 2029, putting it in with a chance of winning the £10m prize. The city was named one of the best places to live and work in the UK in 2025, and its bid for the cultural award highlights its cultural events and artistic talents.
The city hosts a range of cultural events, including Reggae Land at the National Bowl and the Milton Keynes International Festival. Annual functions held at Campbell Park include Art in the Park, the Zimbabwe Heritage Festival, MK Pride, and Oktoberfest. The MK Gallery has also hosted notable exhibitions, such as a four-month exhibition celebrating the life of British artist Laurence Stephen Lowry.
Milton Keynes has often been misunderstood, with some people viewing it as a soulless city. However, those who live and work there believe it has a rich cultural scene. Maureen Onwunali, an Irish-born Nigerian creative who grew up and lives in Milton Keynes, is one of the city's biggest advocates. She believes that the city has a lot to offer, and that its stereotype is unfair.
## Why it matters The UK City of Culture contest is a significant award, and winning it would bring a £10m prize to the city. It would also recognize Milton Keynes as a vibrant cultural hub, challenging its reputation as a soulless city. The city's bid for the award is an opportunity to showcase its cultural events and artistic talents, and to demonstrate its potential as a cultural destination.
The city's cultural scene is not just about events, but also about the people who live and work there. Anthony Spira, the director of the MK Gallery, and Maureen Onwunali are just two examples of the many creatives who call Milton Keynes home. With its rich cultural scene and vibrant events, Milton Keynes is a city that is worth taking notice of.
## What happens next Milton Keynes will now compete with the other three shortlisted cities for the UK City of Culture award. The winner will be announced in 2029, and will receive the £10m prize. Whether or not Milton Keynes wins the award, its bid has already highlighted the city's cultural strengths and challenged its reputation as a soulless city.
