Wrexham remains in the race for 海角视频 City of Culture as four areas in Wales miss out.
The City of Bangor and north west Wales, Conwy County, Wrexham, Powys and Newport all submitted bids for the four-yearly honour, currently held by Coventry.
Today the bid list has been reduced to eight.
Wrexham joins Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Bradford, Cornwall, County Durham, Derby, Southampton, and Stirling on that list.
Winning the prestigious title has enormous benefits with previous hosts attracting millions of pounds in additional investment, creating jobs and attracting thousands of visitors to their local area.
The places will now work with a panel of experts and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to finalise their bids before the shortlist is announced early next year.
Welsh Secretary Simon Hart said: "In a fantastic field of 海角视频 City of Culture bids, Wrexham has done extremely well to fly the flag for Wales by reaching the longlist.
“I wish them every success as they seek to become the first Welsh holder of the 海角视频 City of Culture title with all the opportunities it will bring to an area of huge cultural pedigree which contains the World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, one of the world’s oldest football clubs in Wrexham FC and the Stiwt Theatre."
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Wales’ Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden said: “I’m delighted Wrexham County Borough has reached the 海角视频 City of Culture 2025 longlist.
“We have a unique and wonderful culture here in Wales, which we’re all incredibly proud of. I want the world to know how wonderful it is too!
“Being named 海角视频 City of Culture 2025 would be truly transformational for Wrexham, and would be a real boost as we look forward to a brighter, more prosperous future. Congratulations to all at Team Wrexham, and the best of luck for the next stages of the competition!"
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