The North of England could host the Olympic and Paralympic Games for the first time in history, after northern mayors and leaders set out a united proposal for a future UK bid to be anchored in the region.
The Great North has written jointly to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy, urging the Government to commit in principle that any future UK Olympic and Paralympic bid should be based in the North and support a fairer redistribution of major national and international events.
The leaders argue that the North already has many of the foundations required to deliver a world‑class, multi‑city Games, including elite sporting venues, stadia and arenas, established transport hubs and accommodation capacity, and strong broadcast, creative and cultural capability.
The proposal aligns with a growing shift by the International Olympic Committee towards multi‑city and region‑wide Games, an approach that reduces costs, maximises existing infrastructure and spreads benefits more evenly.
The call follows recent analysis from the Heseltine Institute, which highlighted the North as a strong candidate to host a multi‑city Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Northern leaders point to the region’s long‑standing record of delivering major international sporting events, including:
- The Manchester Commonwealth Games
- EURO 2028 football championships
- The Great North Run
- Rugby League World Cups
- The Open, Ashes Tests and the Grand National
Looking ahead, the Tour de France will visit Cumbria, the Liverpool City Region and Yorkshire in 2027, while the World Snooker Championships in Sheffield remain a cornerstone of the global sporting calendar.
Leaders say this cultural pedigree strengthens the case for a Games that would showcase modern England to a global audience.
Northern mayors and leaders believe a Games anchored in the North would represent a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to:
- Accelerate regeneration
- Rebalance the national economy
- Reset international perceptions of England
- Drive long‑term investment in transport, skills, housing, sport and cultural infrastructure
They argue the benefits would extend far beyond the event itself, delivering lasting social and economic legacy for communities across the region.
In their letter, The Great North has asked the Government to:
- Agree in principle that any future UK Olympic and Paralympic bid is anchored in the North of England
- Support proportionate feasibility and preparatory work in partnership with northern leaders
- Align early on legacy objectives, ensuring long‑term benefits for northern communities and a wider redistribution of major events
Kim McGuinness, Chair of The Great North and Mayor of the North East, commented:
“The North of England has a sporting history and prowess like no other place, and we are united in our belief that our region could host a box office, world-leading Olympic Games.
“Bringing the Olympics to the UK would unite the North and the whole nation, bringing people together and unleashing a groundswell of pride in our places. The Olympics create a legacy like no other, with game-changing investment in jobs, regeneration and transport, creating opportunity for people across the North.
“As Mayors and leaders we are ready to deliver, now we need national Government and sporting bodies to match our ambition: The Olympics would be our moment for the North to stand tall on the international stage.”
They argue that with IOC reforms, proven delivery capability and strong regional leadership, the moment is right to put the North at the heart of a future Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Image credit: iStock
