North of England eyeing bid to host 2040s Olympics and Paralympics

17 May 2026 , 11:20

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North of England eyeing bid to host 2040s Olympics and Paralympics

A bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the north of England in the 2040s is entering the initial assessment phase.

The government has tasked UK Sport with conducting the assessment as part of its goal to promote regeneration in towns and cities through sport.

The assessment will evaluate costs, socio-economic benefits, and the likelihood of success. If it succeeds, it would be the first Games held in Britain since London 2012.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "London 2012 demonstrated what the Olympics can achieve for our country. It inspired a generation through sport, attracted significant investment, and showcased the best of Britain to the world."

"However, despite the north of England driving so much sporting excellence, regardless of the talent we produce, the sporting moments we create, and the world-class events we attract – for too long we have been told that the Olympics is simply too big and too significant to be hosted in the north."

"Not anymore. It’s time for the Olympics to come north, and for us to demonstrate what we can offer to the world. 

"I couldn’t be more pleased to announce that we’re initiating a much-needed vote of confidence in the north."

The findings from the initial assessment will determine whether a more detailed technical feasibility study is conducted to examine the costs, benefits, and feasibility of hosting the Games.

Any final decision on if and when a future bid might take place would be made by the British Olympic Association and British Paralympic Association.

Manchester was unsuccessful in a 1993 bid to host the 2000 Olympic Games, which were eventually awarded to Sydney.

Documents released from the National Archive included an analysis of why the bid failed, including a comment from Damian Green, a former Conservative MP and policy advisor to then-Prime Minister John Major, who stated that the reason Manchester lost was “obvious”.

"No one in their right mind would spend three weeks in Manchester rather than Sydney," he said.

Elizabeth Baker

Technology & Business Editor