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The team behind Plymouth’s City of Culture bid say there has been an overwhelming response to the plan as the city formally submitted its Expression of Interest (EOI) on Friday, officially entering the race for the title of UK City of Culture which would unlock millions for the city while celebrating its culture and coastal identity.

UK City of Culture is a prestigious national title that brings significant investment, new opportunities and lasting benefits for places and their communities. Bradford was UK City of Culture in 2025, previous successful cities include Derry, Hull and Coventry.

The winning city receives £10 million from the UK Government to deliver a year-long cultural programme, plus potentially attract millions in further investment and open up greater access to arts and culture for local people and visitors.

Hannah Harris CEO of Plymouth Culture, together with the city’s Head of Culture Victoria Pomery, has been leading on the bid with partners and has spoken with around 1,000 residents, businesses, creatives and organisations across the city in the build-up to submitting the EOI.

Cllr Jemima Laing, Deputy Leader Plymouth City Council and culture portfolioholder said: "It has been fantastic to see such energy around the bid for City of Culture from across the city. It really has brought us together in a conversation about what the city has to offer, the importance of culture in everyday life and what winning would mean for all our residents.”

Hannah Harris, CEO of Plymouth Culture, said: “While the feedback was rich and wide-ranging, several clear themes emerged. People told us they want Plymouth to better tell its story - a story that has shaped the nation and the world.

“Many spoke passionately about their deep connection to their local neighbourhoods and the pride they feel in their city. Music was consistently highlighted as a cultural strength that deserves greater investment, and the city’s natural beauty - from coast to countryside - was repeatedly recognised as one of Plymouth’s greatest assets.

“Above all, people affirmed that culture is not just art; it is who we are and what we do.”

Plymouth’s bid will focus on telling the city’s often untold story: that of a proud coastal city with a strong community spirit, whose people have always come together in times of challenge and opportunity. It will celebrate creativity in all its forms and show how culture can help build a more joyful, connected and inclusive future.

The conversations have also highlighted a shared belief that, while Plymouth has significant opportunities for growth, these are not yet being felt equally by all communities. Culture has a vital role to play in bridging that gap, bringing people together, creating opportunities, and ensuring that growth is truly inclusive.

Victoria Pomery, CEO of The Box and Head of Culture in Plymouth, said: “Submitting our Expression of Interest is an exciting step forward for Plymouth. We have been genuinely inspired by the enthusiasm, honesty and creativity people have shown over the past few weeks. Their voices are at the heart of this bid.

“Plymouth has a powerful story to tell - one shaped by the sea, by innovation, and by the resilience of our communities. This bid is about celebrating that

spirit and using culture to bring people together, unlock opportunity and help shape a brighter future for everyone.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken part in engagement activities, shared ideas, hosted conversations or shown their support for the bid.”

Plymouth now awaits the outcome of this phase of the competition, with longlisted places expected to be announced in late March 2026. If Plymouth is successful, it will progress to developing a full bid over the coming months.

For more information, updates and to get involved, visit Plymouth City Culture Website here.

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