Reading Borough Council has confirmed it intends to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the UK City of Culture 2029 competition. The council is lodging the EOI from Reading, Berkshire, just days before the EOI deadline on 8 February 2026.
Local leaders say the bid could attract an estimated £100m+ in secondary investment, helping to grow the local arts scene and create new jobs. The proposal highlights sites such as the Abbey Quarter and The Hexagon to showcase the town’s history and creative potential.
Although Reading does not have city status, government guidance allows larger towns and regions to apply for the City of Culture title. The council is working with local partners — including REDA (Reading Economy & Destination Agency) and the Reading Cultural Partnership — with REDA leading private‑sector engagement to demonstrate the town’s cultural offer alongside its technology sector.
Councillor Liz Terry, leader of Reading Borough Council, said the bid is intended to boost pride and confidence in the area and invest in residents’ futures. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is expected to announce a longlist of applicants in late March 2026; longlisted places may receive grant funding to develop full applications, with a final winner due in winter 2026.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
