Wrexham remains in the race to be named the UK City of Culture for 2025.
Up against North Wales’ largest town are Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Bradford, Cornwall, County Durham, Derby, Southampton, and Stirling, for the honour.
The City of Bangor and north west Wales, Conwy County also submitted bids for the honour, currently held by Coventry – but only Wrexham made the cut.
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UK City of Culture is a competition run by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) every four years. Previous winners are Derry/Londonderry in 2013 and Hull who had their year in 2017.
The winning “city”, will be announced in spring next year and for the first time, each listee will receive £40,000 worth of investment.
(Image: IAN COOPER/NORTH WALES LIVE)
Unveiling the list this month, new UK Government Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: “Winning the UK City of Culture competition has a hugely positive impact on an area, driving investment, creating jobs, and highlighting that culture is for everyone, regardless of their background.
“This year’s focus is on levelling up access to culture across the country and making sure there is a legacy that continues for generations to come.”
Wrexham has a rich heritage, not only in the town, but the surrounding area which gives it a fighting chance to land the prize.
Here are 10 reasons why Wrexham should get the 2025 UK City of Culture title:
1. Music
(Image: Ian Cooper)
Wrexham has attracted some huge names over the years to play at the Racecourse Stadium including the Stereophonics, Motorhead, Level 42 and UB40; Gaz Coombes of Supergrass is among many to have played the William Aston Hall; and there was the recent Focus Wales event which saw, pubs, bars and open spaces packed with musical talent, including BC Camplight, who played Central Station.
2. Art and festivals
(Image: North Wales Live/David Powell)
From the Ty Pawb arts centre, full of independent shops and restaurants, with craft events and music, to Wales Comic Con, which attracted stars form around the world, when it was held in Wrexham; and the celebration of St David’s parade, the town has put on many major events over the years, to draw the crowds, which also include food and rock festivals.
3. World Heritage Site
(Image: PA)
In 2009, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in Wrexham, was designated a World Heritage Site.
The 200-year-old structure, near Llangollen, joined the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal and Stonehenge on Unesco’s prestigious list of the world’s best known cultural and historical sites.
It was built by Thomas Telford and William Jessop between 1795 and 1805. It is the longest and highest aqueduct in Britain.
4. Brymbo Fossil Forest
(Image: National Lottery)
Wrexham has its very own 300 million year old fossil forest, discovered at Brymbo, on the former iron and steelworks site in 2003.
It has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest by Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
Works are underway to regenerate the former steelworks site as a tourist attraction.
5. Wrexham town
(Image: Steve Bagnall/North Wales Live)
Although there have been calls to regenerate the traditional town centre over the years, it is still home to St Giles Church, regarded as one of the wonders of Wales, where the benefactor for the USA’s famous Yale University, Elihu Yale is buried.
It still has many old markets, streets and arcades, which give the town a unique feel.
6. Mining heritage
(Image: Stacey Oliver)
Wrexham and its environs are peppered with the legacy of its mining heritage from decades past, which helped power and shape the locality.
They can still be seen at locations around the county including at Gresford, which was the site of one of Britain’s worst mining disasters in 1934; and at Bersham and Minera, with old gear and buildings, still standing as testament to the industry’s historic importance, to the region.
7. Erddig Hall
(Image: IAN COOPER/NORTH WALES LIVE)
Frequently voted as one of the top stately homes in Britain, Erddig Hall, is also one of the country’s most important.
The early 18th-century country house reflects the upstairs downstairs life of a gentry family over 250 years and regularly draws thousands of visitors every year.
According to the National Trust , which manages the property, Erddig has the second largest collection of items in the whole of the NT.
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8. World’s oldest international stadium which still hosts games
(Image: Daily Post Wales)
In 2008 Wrexham’s Racecourse ground was officially confirmed the oldest soccer stadium in the world still hosting international games.
The historic Mold Ground was bestowed the accolade by Guinness World Records.
Wrexham have played at the historic ground since being formed in the local Turf Hotel pub in September 1872.
Over the years it has hosted many Wales football and rugby internationals.
9. Football Club owned by Hollywood stars
One of the most jaw dropping football stories in recent years was the take over of Wrexham AFC by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
The Dragons news owners are now making a documentary about it, as the teams struggles to get out of the Vanarama Conference and back into the Football League.
It sparked interest from around the world and injected another burst of energy into the town.
10. That Hollywood sign
(Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)
And if that isn’t enough to convince the judges, Wrexham should get the 2025 UK City of Culture title, a massive Hollywood style “Wrexham” sign emerged on top of the coal shale heap at Rhostyllen.
Eventually online car Leasing company and National League’s title partner Vanarama, was revealed to be behind the stunt, to open the football season, this year.
Again it garnered interest from around the world, with some believing the sign should become a permanent fixture (although it recently disappeared).
Dr Marcus Hansen, programme leader or hospitality, tourism and events at Wrexham Glyndwr University said: “The chances are good because we have some UNESCO World Heritage sites here and we’ve got links to a lot of culture here already, and history.
“It looks like it’s quite competitive, but just to be nominated in itself puts us on the map.”
Can you think of any other reasons? if so let us know in the comments section below.
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