The event welcomed around 400 families, including 250 children and young people aged 5–25, alongside families, carers and support workers.
Funded by UK Sport and the London Marathon Foundation, and delivered by Access Sport and StreetGames, the festival formed part of the Beyond Social Impact Framework – the official programme designed to ensure the Birmingham 2026 Championships is a platform which delivers lasting benefits for communities before, during and after the event.
The event also served as the official launch moment for the Personal Best Foundation, the official charity of England Athletics, as it introduced its new Community Athletics Hubs across Birmingham. The hubs will expand free and inclusive athletics provision for children and young people living in underserved communities, supporting the wider legacy ambitions connected to Birmingham 2026 through the Beyond Framework.
The event was supported by Personal Best Foundation Ambassadors, Alex Haydock-Wilson and Ali Fewins, as well as track and field athlete, Christian Malcolm. Their presence helped inspire young people to get involved in sport and aim high.
The celebration event brought the Beyond framework to life, highlighting how major sporting events can drive meaningful, long-term change in local communities.
The framework focuses on three key areas:
- Community benefit through sport – increasing participation, engaging young people and strengthening community sport
- Environmental sustainability – promoting sustainable travel and reducing environmental impact
- Accessibility and inclusion – breaking down barriers and widening access to sport.
By engaging young people from underserved communities, the event reflected a shared ambition to create more opportunities for those least likely to be active.
The festival provided a welcoming and accessible experience for all, with inclusion at its core. Around 25% of participants were D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent, demonstrating the event’s strong commitment to making sport accessible to everyone.
Participants enjoyed a wide variety of sports through taster sessions delivered by local clubs and organisations, alongside opportunities to access support, advice and community services.
Every registered child received a free lunch box, supported by the Bring It On Brum programme, ensuring all young participants could enjoy the day fully.
By bringing together partners, communities and young people, the celebration demonstrated how the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships is already creating a meaningful legacy – empowering the next generation through sport.
Damari, young participant at the festival said:
“My favourite thing about today was how diverse it was and how many different activities there were for different kinds of people. It’s made me feel more confident, because it’s shown me that anyone can do anything they put their mind to.
After trying more sports today, it’s made me want to keep improving and try to compete with others. I would say to any young person who’s nervous about taking part in sport: try your best and don’t look at other people — just focus on doing what you do best.”
Helen Rowbotham, Chief Executive at Access Sport, said:
“Thank you to all our partners, volunteers and community providers who made today such a special event. This festival has been a fantastic opportunity to use the platform of the 2026 European Athletics Championships to engage young people in Birmingham with the life-changing benefits of community sport. I can’t wait to see the impact grow as we move toward the championships, and beyond!”
Mark Lawrie OBE, Chief Executive at StreetGames, said:
“This event shows what’s possible when we bring communities, partners and major sporting moments together with a shared purpose. It’s been brilliant to see so many young people getting active, trying new sports and feeling part of something special here at Alexander Stadium.
At StreetGames, we’re passionate about making sure every young person – whatever their background or ability – has the chance to enjoy sport and all the benefits it brings. Days like this are a powerful reminder that with the right support, we can break down barriers and create lasting opportunities for young people across Birmingham and beyond.”
Chris Moss, Birmingham 2026 Project Lead for the Impact Plan, said:
“Athletics is an incredible sport which truly offers something for everyone. We want Birmingham 2026 to be a platform for real tangible community benefit in the region and a source of pride and excitement. Events like today are a crucial part of that, opening the sport and the stadium up to underserved members of the community and getting people excited for the Championships this summer. Who knows, maybe today has inspired our next West-Midlands grown athletics star?”
Esther Britten, Head of Events and External Affairs at UK Sport, said:
“It’s fantastic to see the Beyond Social Impact Framework already making a tangible difference in communities across Birmingham.
“This event is a brilliant example of how major sporting events can be a catalyst for positive change, creating opportunities for young people to get active, build confidence and feel part of something bigger.
“By working together, we are not only building excitement for the European Athletics Championships, but also creating lasting social impact that will continue to transform lives well beyond the event itself.”
Mike Diaper, Group Funding and Impact Director at the London Marathon Foundation, said:
“At the London Marathon Foundation, we believe every young person should have the chance to enjoy physical activity without barriers. Today’s event shows the real impact our funding can have on communities. It’s been fantastic to see so many young people from across the local West Midlands area trying new sports for free in such an iconic stadium.”
Interested in finding out more?
Click the link below to find out more about the Beyond programme.