Swindon given 3-1 odds to win UK City of Culture 2029

Swindon was given odds of 3-1 to win the UK City of Culture 2029 title in early betting predictions reported on 21 April 2026.

The odds came weeks after Swindon was longlisted for the title in March 2026, one of nine places still in the running, Swindon24 reported.

Who were the favourites?

Wrexham led the market with a 54.5 per cent chance, followed by Blackpool and Middlesbrough. Swindon sat behind Sheffield and Milton Keynes in the early rankings and was not being treated as a frontrunner.

Jake Ashton, current affairs editor at OLBG, said: "These markets are all about narrative and regeneration." He added that Blackpool and Middlesbrough "have very strong cases that could shorten as the process develops."

What was Swindon's bid?

The campaign was led by Swindon Culture Collective in partnership with Swindon Borough Council. Festivals highlighted in its programme included Swindon MELA, Swindon Paint Fest, the Swindon Festival of Literature, Old Town Festivals and the Festival of Tomorrow.

Reaching the longlist unlocked a £60,000 development grant.

Councillor Marina Strinkovsky had earlier described the longlisting as "an extraordinary achievement", and Councillor Jim Robbins said the town had "an incredible story to tell".

What was due to happen next?

A full bid was due to be submitted by summer 2026, with a shortlist expected later in the year.

Source: Swindon24.