Leicester Cathedral iconic moment celebrated as part of National Lottery’s 30th Birthday

The reinterment of King Richard III at Leicester Cathedral has been celebrated as one 30 culturally transformative moments made possible through National Lottery funding.

This remarkable event followed the discovery of Richard III’s long-lost remains beneath a Leicester car park. His reburial at Leicester Cathedral on March 26, 2015, was a momentous occasion as it marked the resolution of a centuries-old historical mystery. This event was attended by the British Royal Family, dignitaries, and broadcast to a global audience of 350 million.

Picture credit: The National Lottery

National Lottery funding played a key role in this milestone, contributing to the funeral pall that draped the King’s coffin, supporting the creation of a new visitor exhibition centre at Leicester Cathedral, and funding vital restoration projects for the Cathedral and nearby historic buildings.

The iconic moment has been immortalised by photographer Thomas Duke as part of the National Lottery’s 30th birthday celebrations.

Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £30 million is raised every week for Good Causes, funding over 700,000 projects across community, heritage, sport and the arts in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Andria Vidler, CEO of Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery said: “National Lottery players have now raised £50 billion for Good Causes across the UK. Over 30 years, this hasn’t just been about numbers – it’s been about countless lives changed and communities transformed, while continuing to create millionaires nationwide. As we look forward, our plans to transform The National Lottery are underway and we’re committed to raising even more for these vital Good Causes.”

Baroness Twycross, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said: “The National Lottery’s 30th birthday marks a remarkable legacy of building resilient, inclusive and healthier communities across the UK.

“Over the last three decades it has funded hundreds of thousands of grassroots projects, getting more people involved in sport and cultural opportunities, as well as supporting our world class Team GB and Paralympics GB athletes.

“The National Lottery has raised a staggering £50 billion for good causes since it was established and has transformed numerous landmarks from the V&A Dundee and the Royal Albert Hall to the Angel of the North and the Eden Project.”

“I am delighted to celebrate The National Lottery’s continued role in improving lives in every part of our country.”

Other iconic moments made possible by National Lottery funding, and depicted as part of its 30th birthday celebrations, include Liverpool hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023, the opening of the Eden Project in Cornwall (2001) and Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Street Parties in 2012.