Culture and Sport Legislation

Legislative framework governing cultural institutions, media broadcasting, sports regulation, arts funding, and heritage protection.

The Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) (Amendment) Order 2026

Amended existing licensing extensions to permit alcohol sales during specific late-night and early-morning FIFA World Cup matches in July 2026.


This Order amends existing licensing regulations in England and Wales to extend the permitted hours for the sale of alcohol and provision of regulated entertainment during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

It modifies the Licensing Act 2003 (FIFA World Cup Licensing Hours) Order 2026 to add a seven-hour extension starting at 10 p.m. on 5th July 2026 for a round of 16 match held at 1 a.m. the following day.

Additionally, it adjusts the commencement time for the extension related to the tournament final on 19th July 2026 to 10 p.m. instead of 11 p.m., contingent on the England national team's participation.

These changes apply to licensed premises and qualifying clubs regulated under the Licensing Act 2003.

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The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Bawdsey to Aldeburgh) Order 2026

Designated 24th June 2026 as the date ending the access preparation period for the coastal path between Bawdsey and Aldeburgh.


This Order establishes June 24, 2026, as the date on which the access preparation period ends for land designated as coastal margin between Bawdsey and Aldeburgh in Suffolk.

It applies to land identified in five specific reports submitted by Natural England and approved by the Secretary of State under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.

By concluding the access preparation period, the Order triggers the legal commencement of public access rights to this stretch of coastal land under the terms of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

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The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Knebworth, Hertfordshire) Regulations 2026

Restricted the operation of unmanned aircraft in the vicinity of Knebworth during July 2026.


These Regulations prohibit the operation of unmanned aircraft below 1,500 feet above mean sea level within a specified geographic area of Knebworth, Hertfordshire, during a music festival.

The restriction applies to all unmanned aircraft operators except those who obtain written permission from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Police Drone Team.

These rules remain in effect during specific intervals between July 10, 2026, and July 12, 2026, to manage safety and security risks associated with large public gatherings.

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The Communications Act 2003 (Commencement No. 6) and Media Act 2024 (Commencement No. 4 and Saving Provision) Regulations 2026

Commenced provisions of the Communications Act 2003 and Media Act 2024 relating to the categorization and broadcasting of listed national events while establishing saving provisions for existing contracts.


These Regulations bring into force specific provisions of the Communications Act 2003 and the Media Act 2024 on January 1, 2027, primarily concerning the regulation of 'listed events' such as major sporting fixtures.

The instrument directs the categorisation of these events into Group A and Group B and updates the restrictions regarding live coverage and contract reporting.

It applies to the Secretary of State, media regulators such as OFCOM, and broadcasting organizations involved in the acquisition of rights for events of national interest.

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The Football Governance Act 2025 (Commencement No. 4) Regulations 2026

Activated legal requirements for football clubs regarding the protection of home grounds, heritage markers, and regulatory notification duties as of July 2026.


These regulations bring into force specific provisions of the Football Governance Act 2025 on July 1, 2026, primarily concerning the duties of professional football clubs and competition organisers in England and Wales.

The instrument activates statutory controls over the disposal or relocation of home grounds, as well as changes to club heritage markers like names, crests, and kit colours.

It also mandates that clubs notify the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) of changes in circumstances and enables investigatory powers concerning potential regulatory infringements.

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The Access to the Countryside (Coastal Margin) (Aldeburgh to Hopton-on-Sea) (No. 2) Order 2026

Designated 24 June 2026 as the end of the coastal access preparation period for the Southwold to Lowestoft stretch of the England Coast Path.


This Order establishes June 24, 2026, as the formal end of the access preparation period for specific stretches of the Suffolk coastline between Southwold and Lowestoft.

It applies to land designated as coastal margin within the England Coast Path sectors AHS4 and AHS5, effectively enabling public access rights under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

The Order affects landowners, local authorities, and the general public by concluding the legal window reserved for physical preparations and land management changes required for the new long-distance route.

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The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Principality Stadium, Cardiff) Regulations 2026

Restricted the flight of unmanned aircraft near the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on 28 June 2026.


These Regulations prohibit the flight of unmanned aircraft below 1,100 feet above mean sea level within a specified area around the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on 28 June 2026.

The restrictions apply between 1700 hours and 2230 hours Co-ordinated Universal Time to all unmanned aircraft, unless the South Wales Police Drone Team grants specific flight permission.

This measure is intended to facilitate public safety and security during an event involving a large gathering of people.

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The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Sywell) Regulations 2026

Published: Mon 22nd Jun 26

Established a temporary restricted airspace zone at Sywell Aerodrome for the duration of a national aerobatic competition in July 2026.


These Regulations prohibit aircraft from flying below 5,500 feet above mean sea level within a specified two-nautical-mile radius of Sywell Aerodrome during the British Aerobatics - Open and National Championship.

The mandate applies to all civil aircraft between 21 July and 26 July 2026, during specific daytime hours, unless they receive explicit permission from the contest directors or the Sywell Air Ground Communications Service. The Secretary of State for Transport issued these restrictions under the Air Navigation Order 2016 to manage safety during high-energy aerobatic manoeuvres.

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