The exhibition brings together hundreds of objects for the first time including the famous Jules Rimet trophy, the ball from the World Cup final and Geoff Hurst’s boot, which was bronze-coated in recognition of his historic hat-trick.

It will tell the story of the first truly global sporting event and the social and political context of Britain at the time.

Using virtual reality technology, visitors will be transported back to the 1966 final, making them feel like they are actually at the game. The music, decor and design of the era will also be featured in a recreation of a 1960s home, to recreate the atmosphere experienced by people watching at home.

[quote=Sara Hilton, Head of HLF North West]“The exhibition has been drawn together with good community involvement and will bring many more visitors to Manchester. We are delighted to be supporting it with money raised by National Lottery players.”[/quote]

The exhibition is funded thanks to National Lottery players and has been launched in partnership with The Football Assocation and The Sporting Memories Foundation – an award-winning charity that works nationally with older people to bring about health and wellbeing benefits through celebrating memories of sport.

It opens to the public tomorrow (25 June) and runs until April next year.

Sara Hilton, Head of HLF North West, said: “The World Cup win in 1966 was a generation-defining moment in the country’s recent history and created special memories for those who watched at the time. This exhibition captures this spirit while also revealing some new and untold stories about life in Britain 50 years ago.

“It’s been drawn together with good community involvement and will bring many more visitors to Manchester. We are delighted to be supporting it with money raised by National Lottery players.”