Blackpool, Sheffield, Milton Keynes and Wrexham have been shortlisted to become UK City of Culture 2029, The Guardian reported. The four places were chosen from a longlist of nine. The paper described the award as one "viewed as a way to boost local economies," and said it is also intended to foster civic pride and, above all, have some fun.

According to The Guardian, each of the four places will be given £125,000 to develop its bid. A winner will be announced in the new year, the paper said. The report was written by Mark Brown.

BBC News reported that four locations are in the running to be UK City of Culture 2029. That outlet said the winner, announced in early 2027, will receive £10m to deliver a year of cultural activities.

The two reports differ on timing. The Guardian said the winner will be announced in the new year, while BBC News gave early 2027. The reports also describe different sums. BBC News put the winner's award at £10m, while The Guardian said each shortlisted place receives £125,000 to develop its bid. Neither report, as summarized here, explains how the two figures relate to one another.

Sources: BBC News: Four locations in the running to be UK City of Culture 2029; The Guardian: Blackpool, Sheffield, Milton Keynes and Wrexham shortlisted for UK city of culture 2029.