Trafford is set to get a jam-packed events programme ahead of its hosting the opening game of the UEFA Women’s Euros tournament later this year.
Trafford is one of the 10 local authorities across England hosting football games this summer and as part of the plans, the council is rolling out a National Lottery and Arts Council backed arts programme.
Running alongside the tournament from July 6 to 31, three specially commissioned projects led by artist Emma Smith, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Idle Women, will share the rich history of women’s football and its players in the hope of inspiring residents.
The public will also get the chance to create an original anthem for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 in England.
The arts programme will be managed by The Football Association (FA) and it will be the first time the organisation has run an arts programme alongside a major tournament.
Over 26 action-packed days, 31 UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 matches will be played by 16 teams across nine English cities. A record number of fans are set to attend in person with a further 250 million across the world watching on TV. It promises to be the biggest women’s European sporting event to date.
National Lottery Project Grants is the arts council’s open access programme for arts, museums and libraries projects. The fund supports thousands of individual artists, community and cultural organisations thanks to National Lottery investment.
Coun Liz Patel, Trafford council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: “The UEFA Women’s Euros 2022 will be a fantastic tournament and a record-breaking one.
“It’s important that the tournament is also inspirational, encouraging boys and girls to take up football and emulate their heroes. The exciting arts programme will also do the same – inspiring future generations to enjoy the arts and become artists themselves.”
Chris Bryant, Tournament Director UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, said: “UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 is set to be the biggest women’s European sporting event in history. This significant funding from the National Lottery and the chance to work with Arts Council England (ACE) provides us with the opportunity to deliver a programme that celebrates culture and encourages more people, particularly women and girls, to be inspired by the tournament.
“We are delighted to be working with such prestigious artists and organisations on bringing this programme to life. As we work towards tournament kick off on 6 July we will be reaching out to local artists, musicians and community groups via our host city partnerships to share in the moment and deliver a programme of events in each region.
“By bringing football and arts together under one project we can attract new audiences to each and leave behind a legacy for future generations.”
