Our Fingers Crossed installations celebrate UK’s summer of hope

Recognising this new wave of hope, The National Lottery has unveiled a giant ‘fingers crossed’ installation at iconic locations including the Natural History Museum and Wembley Stadium. The crossed fingers – a universal symbol of hope and optimism – is seven-metres tall. That’s one metre for each new millionaire The National Lottery makes on average every week.

The inflatable fingers crossed installation has also popped up at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. Each of the three locations has been supported extensively by funding made possible by National Lottery players.

It’s not just Londoners set to be inspired to hope: the fingers crossed installation will be appearing across the UK in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales over the summer.

National milestones such as major sporting and music events play a powerful role in lifting optimism and hope across the UK, according to a study of more than 2,500 Brits by The National Lottery. According to the research, 62 percent of people say they feel more hopeful when the nation comes together around a major event. Spells of good weather (71 percent) and major sporting events (67 percent) are also influential when it comes to boosting our optimism.

The arrival of this feel-good summer is timely, as the National Lottery research found only a third (32 percent) of Brits currently describe the overall level of hopefulness in the UK as high, due to economic pressures and geopolitical instability.

Miriam Akhtar, an author and expert in positive psychology, said, “Humans are social creatures, so it’s natural that shared moments, such as major sporting events, have a significant impact on national levels of hope. Optimism is infectious. Research shows that happiness spreads up to three degrees of separation, an effect known as ‘emotional contagion’. So, when the country is celebrating a Lionesses win or enjoying the nostalgia of Oasis playing again, it takes hold very quickly.”

This feel-good effect isn’t limited to national pride – it also influences everyday decisions. Over a third of Brits say they’re more likely to book a holiday when feeling optimistic. Others (13 percent) are inclined to apply for a new job and 12 percent are more likely to ask someone out on a date.

Craig and Karen Mitchell from Yorkshire, reckon their positive mindset helped them win £1MMillion in a EuroMillions draw. Karen said, “I genuinely think I manifested the win. I used to say, ‘When we win the millions’, not if.” She added, “Admittedly, while I was always confident we’d win, it hasn’t made the reality any less exciting.”

Watch a time-lapse video of one our fingers crossed inflatables being installed below:

Wembley

Royal Naval College

Greenwich

Natural History Museum

16th July 2025