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Thank you National Lottery players
Jumbo opened its doors to thank National Lottery players who raise millions of pounds every week for good causes. As part of National Lottery Open Week, trustees of North Essex Heritage and volunteers welcomed anyone with a National Lottery ticket for a free tour. The Jumbo Project has received £8m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
To say thank you for the £30million raised for good causes every week by players, hundreds of National Lottery-funded venues across the UK offered free entry, discounts and special offers throughout National Lottery Open Week.
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Thanks to National Lottery players, The Jumbo Project will conserve and adapt Jumbo which will become a visitor attraction and commercially viable and accessible heritage and events venue.
Dozens of visitors turned out to take advantage of the Open Week offer and get a sneak peek inside the Victorian water tower before it closes to the public for renovation.
John Allen, who will be 85 in July, turned up an hour and a half before the event to ensure he was first in the queue for a tour. He said:
“I had a brilliant time up the tower. I’ve been waiting for years to do it!”
North Essex Heritage’s The Jumbo Project is also supported by UK Government Funding and Colchester City Council.
Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England and Chair of the National Lottery Forum said:
“We’re excited to bring back National Lottery Open Week 2025! Life’s pace often pushes us to say ‘no’ to things we want to do, prioritising instead the things we think we ‘should do’. National Lottery Open Week is a chance to say ‘yes’ to joyful experiences – exploring the UK’s rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture through free and low-cost days out. It is our way of thanking National Lottery players who raise £30 million every week for Good Causes, supporting vital projects in arts, sports, heritage, and communities nationwide.”