Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy this week launched the UK City of Culture 2029 competition with two giants of Liverpool City Region culture leading a new independent advisory panel that will assess entries.

The Minister also announced a new UK Town of Culture competition designed to celebrate the contribution of small and medium sized places to the national story – with millions of pounds available for the winners of both competitions as well as additional funding for longlisted towns to develop their bids.

In a huge endorsement of Liverpool City Region’s cultural success, Sir Phil Redmond – creator of Brookside, Grange Hill and Hollyoaks – has been appointed advisory panel chair and will be joined by Claire McColgan CBE, Associate Director, Liverpool City Region, and Director of Culture at Liverpool City Council, as Deputy Chair.

Here, Claire explains why the competitions are a huge opportunity for cities and towns across the UK.

Liverpool City Region Associate Director and Director of Culture at Liverpool City Council, Claire McColgan

I’m absolutely thrilled to be appointed Deputy Chair of the UK City of Culture 2029 competition, working alongside the legend that is Sir Phil Redmond. It’s a privilege to help steer something that’s not just a competition—but a catalyst for transformation. 

What makes this process so special and the competition so odd and unique is that, in truth, everyone wins. Bradford is showing us just how powerful the title can be. Their team—driven by passionate politicians and creative leaders—came back again and again for this prize, knowing what it could do for their city. Their commitment has been extraordinary, and the results speak for themselves: thousands of pupils engaged, volunteers from every ward, and cultural events reaching tens of thousands. It’s a city alive with possibility. 

But equally inspiring are the places that didn’t win the title. Southampton, Wrexham, and others have gone from strength to strength. The way the bidding process is designed—with sensitivity and support—means every place gains something.  

The Spirit of 2012 research, looking at the impact of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, backs this up: bidding alone can galvanise communities, attract investment, and spark new partnerships. 

What’s exciting now is how many cities and towns truly understand the power of culture. They get it. They see how it can drive economic growth, create jobs, and build pride. And with DCMS committing £10 million to the winning City of Culture and £3.5 million to the winning Town of Culture, the opportunity for real change is bigger than ever. 

Sir Phil Redmond speaks at the Borough of Culture launch.

So here’s my call to action. 

First, if you’re interested in joining the advisory panel, keep an eye out—recruitment will open soon. We want brilliant, passionate people from across the UK to help shape this journey. It’s life-enhancing work. 

Second, if you work in a city, large town, or region—don’t let this moment pass you by. If you’re an officer, knock on the doors of your leaders. If you’re a leader or chief executive with ambition for your place, gather your team. This is your chance to tell your story, to shine a light on what makes your community special, and to build a legacy that lasts. 

Nearly 20 years ago, Liverpool began its journey as European Capital of Culture. That wasn’t just a prize—it was a scholarship in transformation. It changed our city for a generation. You can feel it in the streets, see it in the skyline, and hear it in the voices of our artists and young people. If we hadn’t won, I’d be putting a team together right now to bid again. 

I love that this new Town of Culture competition builds on the success of City of Culture. It’s easy to reinvent things for the sake of it—but this is about spreading opportunity, not starting from scratch. It’s about recognising the places that have shaped our national story and giving them the platform they deserve. 

I can’t wait to see who steps forward next.