Eden Project's Biomes transformed into iconic National Lottery balls as Lily Cole launches 25th Birthday #ThanksToYou offers across the UK
21st November 2019
Projects and venues across the UK to open for free or provide special offers for National Lottery players to say Thank You for raising more than £40 billion for good causes
Last night (20 November), activist and actress Lily Cole flicked the switch to illuminate the Eden Project’s Biomes, transforming them into iconic National Lottery Balls.
The event was a visual celebration of the £40 billion that has been raised for good causes since the National Lottery began 25 years ago. It also marked the start of the #ThanksToYou campaign, where for nine days, beginning 23 November, National Lottery players can enjoy free entry or special offers at hundreds of National Lottery funded projects across the UK.
"It is extraordinary to reflect on the fact that immense and valuable projects like Eden wouldn’t exist were it not for a weekly game that (millions) of people voluntarily participate in. National Lottery funding has donated £40 billion to different good causes"
Lily Cole
The Eden Project in Cornwall is amongst the UK’s most visited sites and is one of thousands of attractions, heritage sites and treasured places across the UK to have benefitted from National Lottery funding.
“Eden was made possible by a £56million Millennium Lottery Commission award which in turn has helped generate more than £2billion for the regional economy. The investment National Lottery players have contributed towards for projects across the UK over time has been fundamental in the resurgence of confidence and pride in creative Britain.”
Sir Tim Smit KBE, Co-Founder of the Eden Project
In addition to the initial grant, funding of £21.8million from the National Lottery helps The Eden Project bring millions of people together every year for The Big Lunch and supports people who are active in their communities all year round.
The National Lottery has also invested more than £8billion in heritage projects across the UK, many of which are taking part in #ThanksToYou.
“You don’t have to travel far in the UK to see some of the wonderful projects the National Lottery has helped fund. From historic parks, nature and breathtaking landscapes to cathedrals, museums and industrial heritage, these are the places we hold close to a hearts and without National Lottery players, none of this would be possible. This is the perfect way for us to say ‘thank you.”
Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of the National Lottery Heritage Lottery Fund
Hundreds of National Lottery funded projects and venues say #ThanksToYou with free entry and special offers between 23 November to 1 December 2019. To view the full list please visit thankstoyou.org.uk.
You can use any National Lottery ticket or scratchcard – old or new - to receive free entry, discounted prices and other special offers at National Lottery-funded venues across the UK including Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, Hillsborough Castle and RSPB Ynys-hir Reserve.
Sports venues, community centres, landscape and outdoor projects, as well as film and theatre venues and many more, have all found special ways to thank National Lottery players as part of #ThanksToYou.
Notes to editors
Pictures, interviews and case studies of people and projects who have benefitted from National Lottery funding are available on request.
For further information, case studies and images, please call the press office on 020 7211 3899 or email pressoffice@lotterygoodcauses.org.uk
About The National Lottery’s 25th Birthday
Since The National Lottery’s first draw took place on 19 November 1994, more than £40 billion has been raised for good causes in the areas of arts, sport, heritage and community.
The 25th birthday is a moment to celebrate the extraordinary impact The National Lottery has had on the UK, and to say thank you to National Lottery players for contributing around £30 million to good causes every week.
Over 5,500 millionaires have been created by National Lottery games over the last 25 year. The National Lottery creates an average of seven millionaires every week across its games.