A proud moment and a chance to put young people at the heart of what comes next
Ipswich has officially been longlisted for UK City of Culture 2029, marking an exciting step forward for the town and everyone who calls it home.
For us, this moment is about more than recognition. It’s an opportunity to keep building a town where young people feel seen, heard and involved in shaping the future around them.
A town full of potential
Ipswich already has so much to offer. Creativity, culture and community are part of everyday life here, and young people are already playing a role in that, whether that’s through music, art, sport, or simply being part of their local communities.
Being longlisted gives us the chance to build on that energy and think about how those opportunities can grow.
Young people at the centre
At Inspire, we believe the best outcomes happen when young people are not just included, but actively shaping what happens next.
This next stage of the bid is a chance to keep listening to young people, to understand what matters to them, and to create spaces, opportunities and experiences that reflect their lives and ambitions.
It’s about making sure young people feel connected to their town, confident in their place within it, and able to influence what the future looks like.
Building something together
The longlisting is something to be proud of, but it also creates momentum. It brings people together and opens up conversations about what Ipswich can become.
For us, that means continuing to champion youth voice, working alongside partners who share that commitment, and making sure young people are part of shaping what comes next.
We’re proud to be backing the bid and to stand alongside young people across Ipswich as this journey continues.
