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20 January 2026 - Major events - Oral evidence

Committee Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Inquiry Major events

Tuesday 20 January 2026

Start times: 9:30am (private) 10:00am (public)


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Major events inquiry: MPs to explore case for central strategy and overseas growth opportunities

MPs will examine the case for the creation of a UK major events strategy and how the sector could be better supported to explore opportunities overseas as part of the inquiry examining the challenges faced by the major events industry.

Meeting details

At 10:00am: Oral evidence
Inquiry Major events
Chief Executive at Glasgow 2026 Organising Company
Chief Executive at Spirit of 2012
Director of Culture & Major Events at Liverpool City Council
At 11:00am: Oral evidence
Inquiry Major events
Chief Executive at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Chief Operating Officer at Hay Festival

The inquiry was launched in the summer by the CMS Committee to look at examples of best practice across the sector and the role of the UK Government in providing support for events, including internationally recognised sporting competitions, national celebrations and festivals, which generate significant economic activity, media coverage and cultural impact. 

The first part of the session will look at legacy planning and how a UK major events strategy backed by a centralised team in government might be developed, with MPs then exploring with the second panel how events could be supported to take advantage of overseas growth and export opportunities.  

MPs will also consider how the Government could improve the way it works with events and how it could promote UK events on the global stage. The Committee could also consider the role events play in the UK exercising its soft power and if there are opportunities to do so that are being missed. 

The Committee previously took evidence from industry and trade body representatives, in a session exploring the shared challenges faced across the cultural, sporting and music events sectors.

Location

Room 15, Palace of Westminster

How to attend