Funding boost for 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham

Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, funding for 13 projects as part of £70 million UK Government funding that will ensure the Games’ positive and long-lasting legacy is felt across the entire region.

The effective organisation and delivery of the Games last summer meant the event came in under budget. Following discussions with Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, and the West Midlands Combined Authority, the UK Government has decided to invest the remaining £70 million into the region to enhance the legacy and ensure the benefits continue their positive impact for many years to come.

The Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund has allocated £13.7million to support Birmingham as the host of the European Athletics Championships in 2026.

In November 2022, Birmingham was announced as the host city for Europe’s most prestigious athletics competition in 2026 following a successful bid process.

Cllr John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This financial support for the hosting of the European Athletics Championships 2026 in Birmingham from the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund strengthens the long-lasting and wide-ranging legacy ambitions from the Games.

“Hosting major sporting events delivers positive, economic, physical health and environmental impact for our residents, businesses and regional economy beyond the programme of track and field activities.

“The UK has never hosted a European Athletics Championships and once again Birmingham is leading the way as a global sporting city. This prestigious mega event will provide another opportunity for Birmingham and the West Midlands to shine on the world stage and drive forward the region’s Plan for Growth.”

More projects will be allocated money from the Fund in the coming months.