October 27, 2026 - 308 views
Hollywood star Rhys Ifans has thrown his support behind Wrexham’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2029, as the campaign seeks to bring a major cultural and economic opportunity to North Wales.
The Welsh actor and musician, who was born in Haverfordwest and grew up in Ruthin, believes a successful bid could raise the profile of Wrexham and the wider region, creating opportunities for artists, businesses and communities.
Best known internationally for films including Notting Hill, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and The Amazing Spider-Man, Ifans began his career in Welsh-language television on S4C. His support adds to a growing list of prominent figures backing the campaign.
"I'm supporting the Wrecsam2029 bid, because it's Wrexham's time and it's Wales's time," he said.
"We've got the musicians, the artists, the actors, the directors, the filmmakers, and if Wrexham gets to put on the year that it's promising it'll really put Wales, as well as Wrexham, on the map as one of the great centres for creativity and arts."
If Wrexham wins, it would become the first Welsh host of UK City of Culture, with £10 million in UK Government funding to deliver a year-long programme of cultural events in 2029.
The potential benefits could extend well beyond Wrexham itself. A major programme of performances, exhibitions, festivals and community projects could attract visitors from across the UK and overseas, bringing additional trade to hotels, restaurants, shops and other businesses throughout North Wales.
It could also provide a platform for local artists, musicians and cultural organisations, helping them reach new audiences and develop opportunities for the future. For young people, the programme could create routes into creative careers, while community projects could help more residents take part in cultural activities close to home.
The wider region could benefit from increased visitor spending, stronger links between cultural organisations and greater national and international recognition. However, the scale of those benefits would depend on how effectively events, investment and opportunities were shared beyond Wrexham.
Kate Wasserberg, artistic director at Theatr Clwyd and a trustee of Wrexham Community & Culture Trust, said Ifans's support sent a powerful message about the creative talent in Wrexham and North Wales.
She said his career demonstrated how far Welsh creativity could reach, adding that nurturing talent and giving people opportunities to discover their potential were important to the region's cultural future.
Ifans joins fellow ambassadors including actors Matthew Rhys, Ruth Jones, Mark Lewis Jones and Siân Phillips, television presenter Carol Vorderman, musician Neck Deep and athlete Colin Jackson.
Wrexham is one of four places shortlisted for the 2029 title. An expert panel appointed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is due to visit at the end of November, before the bid team makes its final presentation in January.
The winning location is expected to be announced in early 2027.
The Wrecsam2029 campaign is led by Wrexham Community & Culture Trust in partnership with Wrexham County Borough Council, bringing together community groups, artists, businesses, educational institutions and public sector organisations.
Its ambition is to use culture to strengthen communities, improve wellbeing, support economic growth and create opportunities for future generations.
