LONDON, UK.- The National Lottery celebrates its 10th birthday on 6th November. Thanks to everyone who has played or supported it, over £16 billion has been raised for good causes, enhancing the lives of millions of people across the UK. As part of the birthday celebrations, the nation has been invited to vote for their favourite Lottery funded project in the Helping Hands Awards.

Five Millennium Commission funded projects have been nominated in two categories. The Lowry in Salford and the Millennium Coastal Park in Wales have both been nominated for the Amazing Space Award. The UK-wide National Cycle Network, Tate Modern in London and The Eden Project in Cornwall have been nominated for the UK Life Award [see notes on how to vote].

In addition to the Helping Hands Awards, there will be many exciting events happening all over the UK to say ‘thank you’ to the Lottery playing public. Many Millennium Commission funded projects are taking part in these celebrations, from major attractions right through to local village halls. Highlights include:

• The Eden Project, which will undergo a spectacular winter transformation with a dome-covered ice rink, built over Eden’s lake, surrounded by an enchanted forest and lit by fairy lights.

• The Glasgow Science Centre will be offering free entry to the Science Mall. Two music stages will be installed to showcase National Lottery funded performers throughout the day and the famous Waverley Paddle Steamer will be moored on the River Clyde.

• Magna in Rotherham will be offering hourly shows of the Swamp Circus and other activities including mime, acrobatics, stilts and juggling.

• A number of local village halls will also be holding events such as table-top sales, library open days and fireworks displays. While members of the Central Council of Church Bell ringers will celebrate by ringing in the 10th Birthday with a special piece of extended bell ringing.

Mike O’Connor CBE, Director of the Millennium Commission said, "Ten years of the National Lottery has enabled the Millennium Commission to invest £2.2 billion in a hugely diverse range of good causes - from world class visitor attractions; local community projects; festivals during 2000; schemes to enable disadvantaged children to go to the theatre; cultural programmes in 19 urban areas and funding for a new generation of science centres.

“Not everyone will like everything we funded but if you look at the big picture it is clear that the Lottery has created some wonderful new projects which would never have happened without people buying Lottery tickets and we should say ‘thank you’ to each one of them and wish a happy 10th Birthday to the National Lottery!”