EXETER City Council has announced it will be submitting an expression of interest for the prestigious 2029 UK City of Culture title.

The bid follows the culmination of five months extensive engagement and consultation with artists, creatives, cultural organisations and residents to shape the council’s commissioned new five-year cultural strategy for Exeter.

The deadline for entries is February 8. The UK City of Culture competition has been running since 2013 and is designed to support cities, towns and regions across the UK to deliver a year of cultural activity.

Exeter is set to join other cities, Plymouth, Bristol, Portsmouth, Ipswich and Wrexham in a race for the sought-after status. 

The winning city will receive £10 million to spend on culture and improve cultural opportunities in their area.

Council Leader Phil Bialyk said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Exeter. It’s a chance to put Exeter once again on the national and international map.

“Culture is embedded in our sport in Exeter and following two Rugby World Cups in the city – the Men’s in 2015 and the Women’s last year – we have more than demonstrated Exeter’s ability to rise to the occasion and host big international events that put culture at the heart of our offer. 

“Exeter already has a thriving cultural quarter. We are a UNESCO City of Literature, and there is already so much going on in terms of arts, culture and leisure, across the city. 

“But it doesn’t have to stop there. We believe we can harness our strengths to improve that offer and make Exeter the UK City of Culture for 2029.” 

Chief Executive Bindu Arjoon added: “When it comes to culture, we believe Exeter has so much to offer.

“We want Exeter to be a city where people feel they belong, where opportunities are shared, and where place really matters.”