Northern Leaders Launch Campaign for Olympic Bids in the North
A powerful coalition of northern mayors has issued a bold demand: any future British bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games must be staged in the north of England. The campaign, spearheaded by the group The Great North, aims to rebalance the nation's north-south divide and ensure a fairer distribution of major international sporting events across the country.
A Compelling Proposition for Regeneration
The mayors argue that hosting the Games in cities like Liverpool, Manchester, or across the northern region presents a compelling proposition for transformative regeneration. They describe it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to accelerate economic growth, reshape international perceptions of northern England, and deliver long-term benefits to local communities.
In a joint letter to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, The Great North has called on the government to pledge support for any future northern-based Olympic bids. The group also requests government collaboration on feasibility studies, preparatory work, and establishing legacy goals to ensure the region gains sustained advantages from such an event.
Building on a Strong Track Record
Campaigners point to the north's proven capability in hosting major events, including:
- The 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester
- Euro 2028 football championships
- The Great North Run
- Rugby League World Cups
- The Open and Ashes Tests
- The Grand National
- Major football tournaments
They also highlight the region's success with large-scale cultural events, such as Hull UK City of Culture in 2017, Bradford's upcoming 2025 designation, the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool, and hosting awards like the Mobo Awards, Turner Prize, and MTV European Music Awards.
Voices from the North
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham stated that staging the Olympics would be a defining moment for the North, noting that the 2002 Commonwealth Games sparked significant regeneration and changed global perceptions. He believes an Olympic bid could deliver similar impact on a much larger scale.
Sir Brendan Foster, founder of the Great North Run, expressed wholehearted support, emphasizing that this campaign is about more than just an Olympic bid—it's about achieving a fairer distribution of major international sporting events across the UK. He acknowledged iconic London events like Wimbledon and the London Marathon but argued that government-funded global events should follow a balanced national approach.
Hull and East Yorkshire Mayor Luke Campbell, a 2012 Olympic boxing gold medalist, described bringing the Olympics to the north as an opportunity to inspire children, create real opportunities, and showcase the region's offerings to the world.
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram called a homegrown Olympics our moment to go for gold, highlighting the region's energy, creativity, and ambition. He suggested it could inspire generations in communities that often feel excluded from the national narrative.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin asserted that the north has the venues, talent, and ambition to deliver a successful Games, which would showcase the region's history of producing champions while boosting investment, jobs, and opportunities.
Broad Coalition Support
The campaign enjoys widespread backing from northern leaders, including South Yorkshire's Oliver Coppard, Tees Valley's Ben Houchen, York and North Yorkshire's David Skaith, and chairs of combined authorities in Lancashire, Cheshire, and Warrington. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, chairwoman of The Great North, declared that mayors are ready to deliver and now need national government and sporting bodies to match their ambition for the north to stand tall internationally.
The campaigners also note that recent moves by the International Olympic Committee toward multi-city and region-wide Games have fueled excitement about a potential northern bid, making their vision more feasible than ever.
