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The National Lottery

The UK gets set to celebrate National Lottery Day 2006

National Lottery funded projects across the UK will be joining together to host a series of special events, as part of this year’s National Lottery Day celebrations on Saturday 23 September. The BBC are also joining the celebrations by hosting a special National Lottery Day programme called “Everyone’s a winner”, hosted by Noel Edmonds.

Families will have the chance to celebrate National Lottery Day at thirteen unique events across the UK. From a festival of wildlife at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust headquarters at Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, to an action packed festival of sport at Bolton Arena, there is something for everyone.

Other events include an exciting day of interactive activities at Snibston Discovery Park in Leicestershire; a celebration of Welsh culture and history at The National Slate Museum in Wales; and a day of family fun at The Hub in Edinburgh, with the BBC stage showcasing dance groups, comedians and musical acts that have benefited from Lottery funding.

National Lottery Day highlights the impact Lottery funding has had across the UK and recognises the amazing things people have done with their Lottery grants to make a difference in their communities. Over £18.6 billion has been raised for National Lottery Good Causes in the last 12 years, and the day is also a chance to say “Thank You” to Lottery players by giving something back through celebrations around the UK.

Mike O’Connor CBE, Chair, England and UK-wide Lottery Forum said:
“We can talk about the billions of pounds raised and hundreds of thousands of projects supported but this does not provide a true picture of the difference this money has made to communities right across the UK. The real story and glory lies in the amazing achievements of the projects and people who are helping improve the lives of their communities. It is great to see so many of them taking part and celebrating their achievements for National Lottery Day - and thanking those who played along the way.”

As part of the celebrations and to say thank you to Lottery players there will also be a fantastic ticket giveaway. People will have the chance to win free tickets to Lottery funded events and attractions; from international rugby matches at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, to theatre tickets for performances during the Belfast Festival and family passes to The Eden Project, Tate Modern and the National Space Centre. These competitions will run on local BBC radio stations, and in local press from 18-23 September.

The winners of The National Lottery Awards 2006 will also be announced on National Lottery Day during “Everyone’s a winner” on BBC1. The Awards celebrate and recognise the wonderful things people have done with their Lottery grants, transforming the lives of communities and individuals throughout the UK.

There will be also be a special Lotto Superdraw on Saturday 23rd September with a guaranteed jackpot of £15 million available to win. The draw will feature in the BBC programme that night.