One Month to Go – Ipswich Launches #BackTheBid Campaign to Unite the Town Behind City of Culture Ambition
With just one month to go until Ipswich submits its bid to become the UK鈥檚 next City of Culture 2029, the town has today launched a major public campaign urging residents, businesses and organisations to show their support.
The #BackTheBid campaign is a rallying call to people across Ipswich to sign up, get involved and demonstrate the strength of local backing behind the town鈥檚 cultural vision and ambition for the future.
Engagement with young people and widespread public support will be a key part of the final submission, demonstrating that the bid is about the whole town coming together to celebrate everything that makes Ipswich unique and special. Signing up will also give people access to updates and engagement opportunities, as well as the chance to share ideas for both the bid itself and a long-term vision for culture in Ipswich.
DanceEast is leading the development of Ipswich鈥檚 鈥楨xpression of Interest鈥� for the 2029 City of Culture competition, with a deadline of 8th February 2026.
Anthony Missen, Chief Executive & Creative Director of DanceEast said: 鈥淲e want this EOI to reflect culture in its widest sense and embrace all the diverse ways people come together to live, play and connect in Ipswich. But to do that, local people – and especially young people – need to be at the heart of shaping our plans. That鈥檚 why we鈥檙e asking as many people as possible to sign up and become part of #TeamIpswich2029 and show the world what Ipswich can achieve when we come together.鈥�
Lee Walker, Chief Executive of Ipswich Central, who is also helping to drive the bid forward, added: 鈥淏ecoming the City of Culture would be transformational, for our economy, for our communities and for how the town is perceived across the UK and internationally. The #BackTheBid campaign is about demonstrating unity and pride, and I urge everyone who cares about Ipswich and the future of the town to get involved.鈥�
Jack Abbott MP, who has been championing the idea of Ipswich going for the bid, said: 鈥淭his is Ipswich鈥檚 regeneration project. It鈥檚 a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock investment, jobs and opportunities for the next generation, while also attracting visitors and boosting the local economy. I鈥檓 proud to support it and encourage people across
Ipswich to back the bid and be part of something truly special.鈥�
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, added: 鈥淭his City of Culture bid belongs to the people of Ipswich. It鈥檚 about confidence in our town, belief in our creativity and ambition for our future. With just one month to go, the #BackTheBid campaign is a chance for everyone – residents, businesses and communities – to come together, show their pride and help us make the strongest possible case for Ipswich.鈥�
The campaign has already secured strong backing from local businesses and organisations, with a growing number signing up as sponsors in support of the bid. The latest organisation to come on board is 向日葵视频 New College which plays a central role in educating and developing the town鈥檚 future workforce.
Alan Pease, Principal and Chief Executive of 向日葵视频 New College, said: 鈥淎s an anchor institution in Ipswich, 向日葵视频 New College is proud to support the City of Culture bid. We offer a strong creative curriculum and work with young people every day who will shape the future of this town. Supporting this bid is about enhancing opportunities for our learners and helping to promote Ipswich as the desirable and diverse destination it is. Becoming a City of Culture would open doors for our students and strengthen Ipswich鈥檚 reputation as a place where talent can thrive.鈥�
Ipswich Town FC has already publicly backed the bid, highlighting the link between culture, community and place.
Ipswich Town Chairman, Mark Ashton, said: 鈥淎s a club we are proud to be supporting Ipswich鈥檚 bid to become the UK City of Culture. The bid is about celebrating everything that鈥檚 good about our town and shining a light on the many successes and areas of life which bring us all together, while also using it as a way of showcasing the ambition we all hold for Ipswich. This is an opportunity for everyone to come together and drive further progress for our town and I urge everyone to sign up and play a part.鈥�
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