Organisers and facilitators of major sporting and cultural events
are invited to give evidence to a
new inquiry from MPs examining the challenges faced by the
industry and how the sector can tap into new opportunities for
growth and collaboration.
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee's major events inquiry is
focussing on sporting and cultural events that attract national
or international audiences and typically draw attendance of over
10,000 people per day. They include internationally recognised
sporting competitions, national celebrations and leading arts and
music festivals, which generate significant economic activity,
media coverage and cultural impact.
The inquiry will look at examples of best practice across the
sector, the role of the UK Government in providing support for
events and any lessons that could be learnt from other countries
or the devolved nations.
The Committee will also consider the impact of recent policies on
the sector, including the Employment Rights Bill, the Crime and
Policing Bill and the implementation of the Terrorism (Protection
of Premises) Act 2025.
CMS Committee Chair, Dame MP, said: “From
cultural cornerstones such as the Chelsea Flower Show and
Edinburgh Fringe through to sporting spectacles like Wimbledon
and The Ashes, the UK boasts a fantastic array of major events
that are known the world over. Given their importance to both our
sporting and cultural calendar and our economy, it's crucial that
the Government and organisers are constantly thinking ahead to
ensure their continued success.
Our inquiry will be examining how best to help the major events
industry overcome any hurdles they may face, whether there could
be more collaboration across the sector and how the Government
can make organising easier when it comes to regulation and
legislation. We will also be looking at any untapped
opportunities the sector could be exploring to enhance, expand
and export these showpiece events.”
Terms of reference
The Committee is inviting written submissions
from individuals and organisations working in or with the major
events sector in response to the following questions:
Challenges and Collaboration
- What are the shared challenges
faced by the major events industry?
- What unique challenges does your event experience?
- What untapped opportunities should
the major events sector be exploring?
- What non-monetary changes would
make a significant change to the events industry in a positive
way?
- Where could there be better
collaboration within the major events sector?
- Are there examples of different events joining up for
mutually beneficial outcomes and, if so, what can be learnt from
this?
Role of Government
- Which Government bodies do you
engage with as part of organising major events?
- How effective are they at helping with the issues you raise
as priorities?
- What would you like to see put in place to address/improve
this?
- Where could there be better
collaboration between major events organisers and
Government/local authorities?
- Are there Government models in
other countries or devolved nations which make the organising of
major events easier and what are the key lessons that can be
learned?
Regulation
- What has or will likely be the
impact of recent legislation either passed or going through
Parliament currently on the major events industry?
- What, if any, further regulatory
changes are needed to support major events?
The deadline for submissions is Thursday 4 September.
