The National Lottery has raised £50bn for good causes since it was launched 30 years ago, new figures show. 

The funds have gone to support more than 700,000 projects in Great Britain and Northern Ireland in its first three decades, according to National Lottery figures. 

To mark the lottery’s 30th anniversary today, an exhibition has been launched of images marking 30 “game changing moments” that have been supported by National Lottery funding.

The images, taken by the photographer Thomas Duke, have been unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery in London and online.

They include the opening of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London in 1997 and the Eden Project in Cornwall in 2001, the 2023 centenary celebrations of the Flying Scotsman steam locomotive and various moments from sport and film that have been backed by lottery funds.

Darren Henley, chief executive of the Arts Council England and chair of the UK National Lottery Forum, said: “The National Lottery’s impact on arts, film, heritage, sports, and communities across the UK is unparalleled. 

“For three decades, it has empowered individuals and communities, enabling thousands of transformative projects. 

“As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we look forward to building on this legacy, ensuring the arts and culture continue to flourish, and supporting even more game changing moments for future generations.”

Andria Vidler, chief executive of the lottery operator Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery said: “Today marks a remarkable milestone as National Lottery players have now raised £50bn for good causes across the UK.  

“Over 30 years, this hasn’t just been about numbers – it's been about countless lives changed and communities transformed, while continuing to create millionaires nationwide. “As we look forward, our plans to transform The National Lottery are underway and we're committed to raising even more for these vital good causes.”

A statement from the lottery said it had created more than 7,400 millionaires and paid out more than £95bn in prize money.