To mark the 500 days to go milestone until the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships, young athletes from Birchfield Harriers lit up Perry Barr with a spectacular laser display at the Alexander Stadium on Friday (28).
The athletes from one of the UK’s most prestigious athletics clubs gathered to witness a striking Birmingham 2026 light projection into the Birmingham sky and mirrored on the infield of the athletics track, symbolising the city’s anticipation and readiness to welcome the world’s best athletes from 10-16 August 2026.
Sky projection
The sky projection of the Bull, continuing the synonymous association with Birmingham was visible up to 20 miles away from the stadium and concluded the celebrations of the 500 days to go milestone.
Athletic Ventures, alongside event partners Birmingham City Council, European Athletics, UK Sport and West Midlands Combined Authority will help deliver Europe’s premier track and field competition – an event that the GB & NI team are the most successful nation ever in Europe. It is also the first time the UK is hosting an outdoor major athletics Championship since the world-record breaking London 2017 World Championships.
Biggest athletics event of 2026
In what is anticipated to be the biggest athletics event of next year, organisers are expecting sell-out crowds at Perry Barr’s Alexander Stadium. Following the unforgettable roar of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, fans now have the chance to recreate that magic and be part of another historic moment for the West Midlands.
Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council said: “We are excited to welcome the 2026 European Athletics Championship to Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium next summer. Hosting the first ever UK edition of the Championship continues the legacy from the hugely successful Commonwealth Games in 2022.
“Birmingham continues to be a proud host city and a powerhouse of sport with world-class venues. We can’t wait to showcase our city, welcoming residents and visitors alike to see Europe’s top athletes go for gold.”
UK Minister for Sport Stephanie Peacock said: "With 500 days to go until the European Athletics Championships kicks off in the UK for the first time, it is great to see Birmingham gearing up for what is set to be an historic event.
"The city has a fantastic legacy of hosting major sporting events following the success of the 2022 Commonwealth Games and I look forward to seeing the Alexander Stadium host some of the world's best athletes next August."
Esther Britten, Head of Events at UK Sport said: "The European Athletics Championships coming to Birmingham is a huge moment for sport in this country and a fantastic opportunity to showcase one of our most vibrant cities.
“Thanks to the incredible support of The National Lottery and its players – whose funding plays a vital role in bringing major championships like this to life – we can ensure Birmingham 2026 delivers extraordinary sporting moments on the track and lasting impact off it.”
"Incredible moment for the sport"
Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics, said: “We can see here this evening just how much excitement there is for Birmingham 2026. The passion of British athletics fans is second to none, and this event will be another incredible moment for the sport.
"The atmosphere in Alexander Stadium next summer will be electric, and we know the home crowd will be ready to give our athletes that extra edge."
Fans who register for priority access via www.birmingham26.com will be the first to know when tickets go on sale this summer. Sports enthusiasts and volunteers can also sign up for updates on how to get involved in the Championships and be the first to hear about the latest news.