Secretary of State Visits Swindon Wildcats Ahead of City of Culture Bid


Swindon Wildcats were pleased to welcome Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, to the club as Swindon's bid for UK City of Culture 2029 continues to gain momentum.


The visit comes as Swindon was officially confirmed as one of the final nine cities in the running for the prestigious UK City of Culture 2029 title, a recognition of everything that makes this town special. The bid celebrates Swindon's rich heritage, its growing creative sector, and the communities that drive culture forward every single day through sport, arts and the performing arts.


Lisa Nandy took to Instagram following the visit, writing: "[It was] great to be in Swindon today, celebrating the fantastic Swindon Wildcats and the amazing Wyvern Theatre."


The Secretary of State met with Wildcats players Aaron Nell, Renny Marr, Tyler Watkins, Caden Villegas and Logan Vande Meerakker, with the visit shining a spotlight on the role that elite sport plays at the heart of Swindon's cultural identity and community life.


Joining the visit were senior figures from Swindon Borough Council, including Leader of the Council Councillor Jim Robbins, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Organisational Oversight Councillor Emma Bushell, and Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking Councillor Marina Strinkovsky.


The Wildcats are proud to be part of a town that is making its mark on the national stage, and visits like this underline the important role that professional ice hockey plays in the wider story of Swindon's culture, community and ambition. We look forward to playing our part as the City of Culture bid continues.