Reading Borough Council is working with partners on a joint Expression of Interest for the UK City of Culture 2029 competition, with a final decision on whether to develop a full bid due later this year.
UK City of Culture is a national title awarded every four years by the Government to a place that can show how culture positively impacts its people and communities.
Culture includes art, music, museums, heritage, festivals, theatre, food, sport, creativity, community activity and the everyday things that make a place unique.
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Thirteen years after Reading’s Year of Culture, the competition offers a new opportunity to showcase its rich history, from the Abbey Quarter and links to figures like King Henry I, Jane Austen, and Oscar Wilde, to its modern reputation for digital innovation.
Councillor Liz Terry, leader of Reading Borough Council, said: “Reading is home to well-established cultural venues, festivals of national and regional significance, an active community and voluntary sector which is the envy of other towns and cities, creative organisations, businesses and other partners who already work together every day to bring huge benefits to the town and its residents.
“A City of Culture bid would offer us the opportunity to shout about Reading and everything which makes it such a wonderful place to live, work and visit.
“As well as boosting pride and confidence in Reading, a successful bid would attract visitors and investment and further strengthen the local economy by supporting jobs in culture, hospitality and the wider creative industries.”
Reading already boasts a strong cultural infrastructure, including nine museums and well-known events such as Water Fest, the Children’s Festival, the University of Reading Community Festival, and Reading Pride.
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The council has begun early conversations with cultural sector partners and stakeholders about submitting an Expression of Interest.
If a full bid is pursued, it would be developed collaboratively with Reading’s cultural organisations and key partners.
Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, lead councillor for leisure and culture, said: “The Council is very clear that any potential bid would be a joint one, designed and driven by our town’s incredible cultural sector and our cultural partners.
“We have had preliminary discussions with partners on the merits of applying for City of Culture status and believe the best option is to submit an early Expression of Interest, which would allow us the time to explore the benefits of a full bid for Reading and its residents.
“The links and partnerships forged 13 years ago from Reading’s Year of Culture have strengthened over time and will now form the basis of any possible future bid.
“This is the first time that the town has considered entering this national competition and we want to make sure it is right for Reading.”
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The Government’s Department of Culture Media and Sport will consider all Expressions of Interest before finalising a longlist of applicants.
If Reading is selected, the Council and its partners would subsequently receive further details about the process and the expectations on the town, as well as more information on the cost implications of pursuing a full bid. At that stage, following discussion with partners, a final decision will be made on the benefits for Reading and whether to proceed to the next stage.