Birmingham shortlisted as the UK city to host Prince Harry's 2027 Invictus Games

Birmingham is one of two cities shortlisted to host the 2027 Invictus Games.

The event, a sport event for military personnel wounded in action, was launched in 2014 by the Duke of Sussex launched the Invictus Games. international multi-sport event first held in 2014, for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans.

The Games foundation announced on May 1 that Washington DC, USA and Birmingham in the UK have been shortlisted to host the Invictus Games in 2027.

This shortlist has been confirmed after a detailed process which was launched last year. A final decision on the host city by the board of trustees will be made by the end of July.

The 2025 Games are due to take place in Vancouver and Whistler, Canda, with the 2023 competition having taken place in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Why has Birmingham been shortlisted?

The UK government-backed bid focuses on the National Exhibition Centre, in Birmingham, and draws the connection to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Selly Oak and wider Defence Medical assets in the region.

Birmingham also seeks to utilise the nine core sports alongside esports, as well as exploring the addition of a team triathlon as a potential new sport.

What’s been said about the Birmingham bid?

Helen Helliwell, CEO Invictus Games 2027 UK Bid, said: “We were privileged to make initial presentations to the Invictus Games Foundation Board earlier this month and are thrilled to move forward to the shortlist.

“We have a truly compelling bid to bring the Games back to the UK, showcasing the best of our Armed Forces communities and delivering on our pledge to make this the best country in the world to be a Veteran.

“As well as delivering an amazing week of the Games Festival at the NEC Birmingham (a Commonwealth Games venue in 2022), we want to use the platform of the Games to improve opportunities for adaptive sport, arts and employment, enabling communities to thrive, both in the run up to the Games and as a legacy from them, across the UK and beyond.”