The National Lottery celebrated its 30th birthday by revealing that it has reached a “historic” fundraising landmark.
Since its launch on 19 November 1994, the scheme has raised £50bn for good causes, funding over 700,000 projects across community, heritage, sport and the arts in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Thanks to you, our players, we’ve been changing lives for 30 years 💙
— The National Lottery (@TNLUK) November 19, 2024
Find out more ➡️ https://t.co/OJeIMRY0Hr#NationalLottery30 #ThanksToYou pic.twitter.com/xJ7CRE4MCA
According to the organisation, The National Lottery has also paid out over £95bn in prizes and created over 7,400 millionaires.
Andria Vidler, CEO of Allwyn, which operates The National Lottery, commented: “Today marks a remarkable milestone as National Lottery players have now raised £50 billion for good causes across the UK.
“Over 30 years, this hasn’t just been about numbers – it’s been about countless lives changed and communities transformed while continuing to create millionaires nationwide.”
Baroness Twycross, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport added: “The National Lottery’s 30th birthday marks a remarkable legacy of building resilient, inclusive and healthier communities across the UK.
“Over the last three decades, it has funded hundreds of thousands of grassroots projects, getting more people involved in sport and cultural opportunities, as well as supporting our world-class Team GB and Paralympics GB athletes.”
“I am delighted to celebrate The National Lottery’s continued role in improving lives in every part of our country.”
Since funding for athletes began, UK athletes have won over 1,000 Olympic and Paralympic medals. Additionally, the lottery has provided support for over 600 films which have won 551 awards – including 16 Oscars and 128 BAFTAs.
Celebrating Game Changing Moments
To mark the anniversary and the impact of the funding, photographer Thomas Duke was commissioned to immortalise “30 Game Changing Moments”, highlighting some of the “most memorable” moments made possible by lottery funding.
You can see a digital display of ‘Game Changing Moments’ supported by the Lottery, projected in our Main Entrance – from Jessica Ennis Hill’s Olympic triumph to the Unveiling of Sir Antony Gormley’s ‘Angel of The North’. Come and take a look… #NationalLottery30 pic.twitter.com/k5EBZCOAT4
— National Portrait Gallery (@NPGLondon) November 19, 2024
Actors Michael Sheen and Vicky McClure, Olympian Jess Ennis and England footballer Chloe Kelly are among the famous faces featured in the exhibition.
“The Game Changing Moments featured in the 30th Birthday exhibition launched today are the culmination of years of funding, commitment, training, belief, volunteering, tenacity and much, much more,” explained Darren Henley, Chief Executive at Arts Council England and chair of the UK National Lottery Forum.
“The National Lottery’s impact on arts, film, heritage, sports, and communities across the UK is unparalleled. For three decades, it has empowered individuals and communities, enabling thousands of transformative projects.”
