Blackpool is one of just nine places across the UK to have been shortlisted for the prestigious title, which celebrates the very best of culture, creativity and community. If successful, the town would receive £10 million in Government funding to help deliver a year-long programme of cultural events and activities in 2029.
The bid is being led by Blackpool Council, one of Blackburn with Darwen and Lancashire County Council's partners in the Lancashire Combined County Authority, and is receiving support from across Lancashire.
While Blackpool is the name on the bid, partners believe securing the title would bring benefits for the whole county.
While Blackpool has now submitted its bid, residents, businesses, partners and stakeholders are still being encouraged to show their support by completing the online backing form.
Stephen Atkinson, Chairman of the Lancashire Combined County Authority and Leader of Lancashire County Council, said:
"I am proud to support Blackpool's bid to become UK City of Culture 2029.
"Blackpool has long held a special place in the hearts of people across Lancashire as well as visitors from afar. It is a town with an extraordinary cultural heritage, a unique identity and a proven ability to bring people together through entertainment, creativity and community spirit.
"From iconic attractions and internationally recognised events to grassroots arts and local talent, culture is woven into the very fabric of Blackpool. The town definitely knows how to put on a show like nowhere else!
"The timing also could not be better. Blackpool is approaching a series of major milestones, including 150 years of the Blackpool Illuminations, 135 years since the opening of both The Blackpool Tower and the Grand Theatre in 2029, and the Winter Gardens' 150th anniversary in 2028.
"A successful bid would shine a spotlight on everything Blackpool has to offer, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, creating jobs and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations across Lancashire."
Cllr Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:
"This is good news for Blackpool and good news for Lancashire.
"If Blackpool is successful, it will bring more visitors, more investment and more opportunities for communities across the county, including here in Blackburn with Darwen.
"We have a strong cultural offer of our own and we know the value that culture, events and tourism can bring to local places.
"I would encourage residents, businesses and organisations to back the bid and help give Blackpool the best possible chance of success."
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said:
“Being named UK City of Culture 2029 would be a huge vote of confidence in our town. It would remind people across the country that Blackpool is the capital of fun, entertainment, heritage and culture.
"Our bid is strong not only because of our proud past, but because of what it means for our future. It would show our young people that they can build their future here with good jobs, opportunities and reasons to be proud about being from Blackpool.
"While developing the bid, I've met so many people who are genuinely excited about what it could mean for local creatives, businesses and communities. We are ready to show the rest of the country and the world the very best of Blackpool.
“Our bid is shaped by people from every corner of our town. Its benefits would reach beyond Blackpool too, across the Fylde coast, Lancashire and the wider north-west. We've listened to local creative organisations, businesses and residents, from people who know how to put on major spectacles to community leaders who can make sure the benefits reach every street.
"I've been blown away by the support and goodwill behind the bid. It has brought together people who grew up in Blackpool and went on to build internationally recognised careers, alongside local business owners who can see its potential to create real jobs, fresh opportunities and new experiences for our people.
"Blackpool is ready. This is our moment.”