Photographer Thomas Duke recreates 30 iconic moments made possible by National Lottery funding

1990s

1994: John Major launches The National Lottery

The seminal moment that would lead to £50 billion raised for good causes. On 19 November 1994, Prime Minister Sir John Major brought a ticket to launch The National Lottery with the ambition that it could “fund a rebirth of sporting and cultural life in Britain”. Thirty years after the launch, that statement still rings true with billions having been raised for good causes across the UK, supporting more than 700,000 game changing projects that change lives every day.

1997: Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre opens

The life-long mission of American actor Sam Wanamaker who was struck by the absence of an extensive tribute to the original Globe Theatre, finding only a small plaque marking its historic site. Inspired to fill this void, he embarked on a mission to reconstruct Shakespeare’s Globe, committed to using historical materials, designs and tools wherever possible.

Though Wanamaker did not live to see its completion, the theatre opened in 1997 with the help of a £12.5 million National Lottery grant. Since its restoration, the Globe has seen a range of performances from Renaissance playwrights, music concerts, film screenings, community projects and much more. The Globe’s reopening has repurposed history and brought joy to millions.

1998: Angel of the North unveiled

In 1998, Sir Antony Gormley’s ‘Angel of the North’ was unveiled near Gateshead. Standing 20 metres tall, it is a striking symbol of north-east England’s transition from an industrial past to a cultural future.

The National Lottery played a crucial role in its creation, providing more than £500,000 in funding to realise the vision. Since its unveiling, the ‘Angel’ has become one of the most recognisable and viewed pieces of public art in the UK and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The iconic landmark is a testament to the north-east’s spirit and a pioneering example of art’s power to unify communities.

2000s

2001: The Eden Project opens in Cornwall

Built in a reclaimed clay pit and founded by Sir Tim Smit, Eden’s aim was to promote environmental sustainability and reconnect people with nature. Two huge biomes house thousands of pant species from diverse climates and environments, including the world’s largest, smelliest flower; Indonesia’s Titan Arum. Rarely encountered in the wild because of deforestation, the plant attracts thousands of visitors a year who hope to catch a whiff of its distinctive scent.

The Eden Project serves as a living demonstration of the interdependence between plants, people and resources and continues to have true worldwide impact, promoting ecological awareness, contributing to scientific research and global discussions on climate change, and inspiring positive action for the planet. The National Lottery contributed more than £56 million towards its creation.

2002: The Isle of Gigha is bought by its community

The Isle of Gigha is a small, picturesque island off the west coast of Scotland. When the island was put on the market in 2001 by its last private owner, its 92 inhabitants decided to buy the island themselves, for themselves. With support from The National Lottery, the island secured its self-ownership and preserved its unique culture, heritage and community for future generations.

Twenty years later, the population has doubled, and community ownership has fostered a sustainable approach to island life, preserving its natural environment and promoting eco-friendly tourism and local enterprise. The island’s wind turbines are a source of income and green energy for the island.

2002: Bend It Like Beckham is released

Released in 2002 with backing from The National Lottery, Bend It Like Beckham broke new ground for UK cinema by capturing the experience of a British-Indian girl navigating cultural expectations while pursuing her dream of playing football. Director and writer Gurinder Chadha’s ground-breaking film highlighted themes of ethnic identity and gender, resonating with audiences as a reflection of modern multicultural Great Britain.

Bend It Like Beckham galvanised a generation of female athletes, inspiring players at the grassroots and perhaps predicating the Lionesses winning the Euros in 2022.

2005: Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson celebrates Paralympic World Cup victory

The eyes of the world were on Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson when she won two gold medals at the 2005 Paralympic World Cup in Manchester. She competed in wheelchair racing and secured victories in both the 100 metres and 400 metres events.

Tanni is one of Wales’ most successful athletes and regarded as one of the UK’s greatest Paralympians, having won 16 Paralympic medals, including 11 gold medals over five Paralympics Games, in the course of her career. Supported throughout her career by The National Lottery, Grey-Thompson is known for her unwavering dedication. She helped elevate Paralympic sports, and her work with organisations like the British Paralympic Association has ensured greater visibility and support for disabled athletes.

2006: This is England is released

Putting Nottingham’s grassroots talent – many of whom came through National Lottery funded Television Workshop - on the map. Written and directed by Shane Meadows, This Is England struck a chord with audiences by authentically conveying issues of racism, dislocation and identity in 1980s working-class England.

The film highlights the role of independent cinema in tackling challenging themes about British identity.

2007: Dame Darcey Bussel’s final curtain call at the Royal Ballet and Opera

Dame Darcey Bussell began her illustrious career with The Royal Ballet, where she became a principal dancer at the age of 20. Renowned for her performances in iconic ballets such as Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet, she captivated audiences with her technical prowess and emotional expressiveness.

Her final performance with The Royal Ballet took place on 8 June 2007 at the Royal Ballet and Opera (formerly the Royal Opera House); an iconic venue transformed with almost £20 million of National Lottery funding. Her ballet career left an indelible mark on the arts and generations of dancers.

2010s

2011: The King’s Speech is released

Directed by Tom Hopper and starring Colin Firth as King George VI, The King’s Speech portrays the unexpected journey of a prince with a debilitating speech impediment ascending to the throne. Speech therapist Lionell Logue and the new king work together to make his first wartime radio broadcast in 1939, detailing Britain’s declaration of war on Germany, a success.

Released in 2011 with game changing funding from The National Lottery, the film captivated audiences globally, receiving 12 nominations and winning four Oscars, including Best Picture. It became the highest-grossing, most successful UK independent film of all time, and was commended by the British Stammer Association for the awareness it raised.

2011: Michael Sheen performs The Passion in Port Talbot

An epic street theatre event that sees Sheen play a Christ-like figure, was staged over the 2011 Easter weekend. Written by Welsh poet and novelist Owen Sheers, the Easter production was the largest in a series by National Lottery-backed National Theatre Wales.

Described as “riotous, contemporary retelling” of the events leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus, the performance had a profound impact on the local community by bringing together thousands of residents in a powerful display of shared history and culture. It fostered a sense of unity, pride, and renewed interest in the arts and local heritage.

2012: Parkrun’s first beach run

Founded by Paul Sinton-Hewitt, parkrun is a volunteer-led movement to promote community fitness and foster connections through free, weekly 5k runs. With National Lottery support, parkrun has become a global movement, championing the importance of health and community across 23 countries worldwide.

In 2012, parkrun expanded to new terrain, as Portrush became home to the first beach parkrun in the world. It welcomed participants of all ages to experience the natural beauty of the coastline in a unique community event, run entirely on the sand.

2012: Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Street Parties

Since 2009, The Big Lunch has been uniting communities across the UK, supported by The National Lottery Community Fund. Following a tradition that dates back to the end of the First World War, an estimated six million people participated in The Big Jubilee Lunch of 2012 to honour Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.

The Big Jubilee Lunch brought the nation together to celebrate, fostering connection, belonging and neighbourhood pride.

2012: The Giant’s Causeway Visitors Centre opens

On 3 July 2012, the Giant’s Causeway’s visitor centre was officially opened by Northern Ireland’s then First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, with £3 million funding from The National Lottery.

The visitor centre sits tucked into the hillside above the Causeway, acting as a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Designed by Heneghan Peng Architects, the centre is both eco and carbon friendly, symbolising political cooperation and underscoring the unifying importance of heritage and tourism.

2012: Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill wins gold at the London Olympics on ‘Super Saturday’

On Saturday 4 August 2012, Jessica Ennis-Hill crossed the finish line at the London Stadium (formerly the Olympic Stadium) taking home gold in the Heptathlon. It was a night filled with celebration as Team GB clinched three athletics gold medals in the space of just 44 minutes. Twelve years and three Olympic Games later, the iconic ‘Super Saturday’ is still regarded as one of the UK’s greatest sporting moments.

The day also marked a turning point for women’s sports, with Jess’s performance inspiring countless young athletes to pursue their passions. Ennis-Hill’s legacy continues to elevate women’s athletics to this day.

National Lottery players contributed an amazing £2.2 billion towards the sporting and cultural success of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

2013: Derry-Londonderry becomes the UK’s first City of Culture

Derry-Londonderry’s designation as the UK’s first City of Culture marked a transformative milestone for the city. Emerging from a complex history of social and political divides, the accolade, which was supported with funding from The National Lottery, brought a year of cultural festivities that bridged communities, bolstered pride, and showcased Derry-Londonderry’s vibrant heritage on a global stage.

These events not only drew hundreds of thousands of visitors but also boosted local tourism by 50%, contributing £47 million to the economy.

2013: The Mary Rose Museum opens

In 1545, King Henry VIII watched from Southsea Castle as his favourite warship, the Mary Rose, sank. Roughly 500 men and boys drowned with the ship, trapped underneath netting deigned to prevent the enemy from boarding. The ship’s remains were raised from The Solent in 1982, marking the largest underwater excavation and recovery ever undertaken, and a milestone in the field of maritime archaeology.

In 2013, the opening of the Mary Rose Museum reunited the ship with many thousands of the 19,000 artefacts raised from the wreck and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world each year.

2014: The Kelpies unveiled

Designed by sculptor Andy Scott, the Kelpies are the largest equine sculptures in the world, standing proudly at 30 metres tall. These monumental steel horse heads pay tribute to Scotland’s horse-powered industrial heritage, depicting the mythological water spirits known as Kelpies and the breed of heavy horses that were used across much of Scotland.

With £25 million of National Lottery funding, the Kelpies reshaped Falkirk’s landscape, attracting millions of visitors and establishing themselves as one of Scotland’s most photographed and celebrated landmarks.

2014: The Scots first taste of Gold at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games

Neil Fachie stormed to gold in the Velodrome with pilot Craig MacLean, winning the 1000m time trial B2 tandem to the delight of a capacity home-crowd. It was a crowning moment in his career and a show of triumph over adversity.

The National Lottery played a vital role in the success of the 2014 competition by providing significant funding for venue development, athlete preparation, and community engagement initiatives.

2014: Bletchley Park reopens

Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire was once one of the world’s best kept secrets and the hub of Allied code breaking efforts during World War Two. Cyphers and codes of several Axis countries were decrypted including, most importantly, those generated by the German Enigma and Lorenz machines.

In 2009, a painstaking restoration, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, began to bring some of the most derelict historic buildings back to life. With few photographs to work with, Bletchley Park looked to its most valuable resource - the veterans – to realise the vision. The Duchess of Cambridge led the reopening of the centre, where her grandmother once worked.

2015: Reburial of Richard III

King Richard III was killed in the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, the last major battle in the Wars of the Roses. Over 500 years after his death his remains were discovered under a Leicester car park. The reinterment of Richard III took place at Leicester Cathedral on 26th March 2015, marking the culmination of extensive archaeological and scientific efforts to identify the last Plantagenet king.

National Lottery grants contributed to the beautiful funeral pall that draped the king’s coffin during the ceremonies, and subsequently to supporting the development of a new exhibition centre at the Cathedral.

2016: The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Hamlet Production

In 2016, the Royal Shakespeare Company, a recipient of significant backing from The National Lottery, cast Paapa Essiedu as Hamlet, the first black actor to play the role at the RSC. Set in an African military state, Simon Godwin’s production reimagined Shakespeare’s classic in a contemporary and confronting context.

The production pushed boundaries and celebrated diversity in UK theatre, inspiring future casting inclusivity and redefining Shakespeare’s reach.

2018: Golden Eagles Reintroduced in Scotland

The pioneering South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project became the first of its kind in the UK to successfully translocate free-flying young golden eagles in a concerted effort to boost the low population of the iconic bird. August 2018 saw the release of the first chicks in Southern Scotland, almost a decade after the idea was first hatched.

The project, which has been supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, has garnered strong community support and raised awareness about conservation, while also contributing to local eco-tourism.

2018: Geraint Thomas wins the Tour De France

Geraint Thomas’ dreams of becoming a professional cyclist began when he was growing up in Cardiff. He joined the National Lottery funded Maindy Flyers cycling club at the age of 10 where he began honing skills which led to him becoming the first Welsh person to win the Tour de France in 2018.

The achievement was a historic moment for Welsh sport, and for Thomas, having overcome numerous setbacks and injuries. The win inspired a new generation of cyclists, contributing to the growing popularity of the sport in Wales and the UK, and leaving a lasting legacy.

2018: Remembrance Poppies displayed at Imperial War Museum

The major art installation, Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red at the Tower of London, marked 100 years since the first full day of Britain’s involvement in the First World War. Created by artists Paul Cummins and Tom Piper, 888,246 ceramic poppies were handcrafted by a team of over 300, and progressively filled the Tower’s moat to remember each British fatality in the war.

With support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, parts of the poppy installation, known as Poppies: Wave and Weeping Window, were toured around the UK in 2018 at iconic landmarks - including a temporary display at Imperial War Museum London and Imperial War Museum North - taking the moving story of British wartime sacrifice across the nation.

2020s

2022: Chloe Kelly celebrates scoring the winning goal at the 2022 Euros Final

Chloe Kelly’s winning goal celebration at the UEFA Women’s Euro Final was instantly iconic. Reeling away, swirling her shirt above her head as she was chased by her teammates, the success story of Chloe and her 22 fellow Lionesses became one for the nation to revel in.

England’s victory - the culmination of years of work - took place in front of thousands of people and was a major moment for women’s football; inspiring millions, driving record attendances at women’s matches and fuelling a surge in grassroots participation. But the impact of the win went way beyond football, sparking national pride, igniting challenges towards gender equality in sports and female representation in the media, and boosting investment and visibility for women’s leagues and competitions.

From funding grassroots initiatives and facilities to providing funding to support England’s hosting of the UEFA European Women’s Championship in 2022, The National Lottery is proud to be part of the journey.

2023: Flying Scotsman’s centenary

Flying Scotsman became the first steam locomotive to travel non-stop from London to Edinburgh in 1928, and the first to officially reach 100 miles per hour in 1934. After an extensive overhaul supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Flying Scotsman broke records again in 2016, as the oldest mainline working locomotive on Britain’s tracks. Its restoration ensured a key piece of our industrial history was preserved, allowing modern passengers and railway enthusiasts alike to experience the sights, sounds, smells and sensations of steam travel.

Flying Scotsman’s centenary launch at Edinburgh Waverley in February 2023 was followed by a series of nationwide events to celebrate this incredible locomotive as a national treasure, renowned as a feat of British design and engineering.

2023: Liverpool hosts the Eurovision Song Contest

Liverpool hosted the 67th Eurovision Song Contest in 2023 on behalf of Ukraine, symbolising solidarity and support for the war-inflicted country and blending cultural celebration with a poignant message of unity.

It was the first time Liverpool had hosted the event, and it gave the city an opportunity to showcase its rich musical heritage and vibrant cultural scene. The contest, which received support from Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund, saw Liverpool transformed with public artworks and installations for the international music competition. The event brought substantial economic benefits to the city, attracting thousands of visitors and global attention, and further cementing Liverpool’s status as a major cultural hub on the world stage.

2024: Fern the Diplodocus unveiled

The Natural History Museum opened its transformed five-acre gardens in South Kensington in 2024 as part of its Urban Nature Project, which was awarded a £3.2 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Fern the Diplodocus was also unveiled, taking pride of place in her new Jurassic landscape and transforming the museums gardens. An adult Diplodocus could reach lengths of over 175 feet (53.3 meters) and fed on a variety of vegetation. Creating a life-size bronze cast of a dinosaur skeleton with no support had never been attempted before and Fern fast became the new star attraction at The Natural History Museum.

2024: Keely Hodgkinson’s Gold at the Paris Olympics

On 5th August 2024, after a decade of dedicated training and at just 22 years old, Keely Hodgkinson crossed the finish line of the Stade de France track to claim her gold medal in the women’s 800 metres at the Paris Olympics. The victory solidified her status as a leading athlete, inspiring the next generation and elevating the profile of British athletics on the world stage.

Since The National Lottery’s funding began in 1994, UK athletes have won more than 1,000 Olympic and Paralympic medals.

You’ve backed countless good causes. Imagine what can be achieved with another 30 Game Changing years.

Image credit: Thomas Duke/Stepping Through Film, Sir John Major, The Eden Project, Colin Firth, See-Saw Films, British Film Institute, Andy Scott, The Helix, Scottish Canals, Falkirk Council, The FA, UEFA, Chloe Kelly, Jill Scott.