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Connecting the Golden Thread: Unlocking the UK's ambition for major events

Connecting the Golden Thread: Unlocking the UK's ambition for major events (PDF, 6 MB)

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Introduction

This report examines how the UK can make best use of the economic, social and cultural value of major sporting, cultural and business events.

It draws UK-wide stakeholder consultation and:

  • identifies barriers to long-term impact

  • proposes reforms to strengthen collaboration, governance and delivery models

Findings

The UK is a globally respected host of major events. But, although the UK generates significant economic and social returns, it lacks a coherent national strategy.

Key challenges include:

  • fragmented policy

  • short-term funding

  • inconsistent evaluation

  • fragile governance

  • workforce shortages

  • infrastructure constraint

The report recommends:

  • a UK-wide ambition that covers sport, culture and business events

  • a common evaluation framework

  • funding aligned to the full event lifecycle

  • stronger collaboration, governance and delivery structures

  • greater community involvement to ensure lasting economic, cultural and social legacy