A Pride of Lions: 17 Giant Lion Art Sculptures to Take Over London for Summer of Football

  • Pride in the Quarter: The London Heritage Quarter Lion Trail will transform the historic heart of the capital into a landmark art trail, celebrating the national pride ahead of the summer of international football
  • From June to August, 17 individual artist-designed lions and lionesses will appear across iconic Westminster locations including Trafalgar Square, the historic St, James’s Park – London’s oldest Royal Park – and Victoria Tower Gardens, besides the Houses of Parliament.
  • The roar of national pride will echo across Trafalgar Square louder than ever this summer, as the four bronze lions welcome a fifth in tribute to the football tournament

 

London Heritage Quarter announces Pride in the Quarter, a major new free public trail of 17 striking lion and lioness sculptures set to appear across central London from June to August, celebrating the summer of international football.

Inspired by the iconic ‘Three Lions’ emblem associated with the England national team, the near life size sculptures will arrive as football takes centre stage this summer, taking pride of place across the capital. Stretching across 1.945 km² – from Trafalgar Square to St. James’s Park to Victoria Tower Gardens – with backdrops including the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Cathedral and Buckingham Palace, the lions will appear across some of the city’s most recognisable and historic settings.

 

With 17 artists shaping the trail, each lion will bring a distinctive identity, from multi tonal designs inspired by the global spirit of the tournament to installations that draw on London’s architecture and green spaces through floral motifs and painted storytelling. The trail also celebrates England’s footballing history and the communities behind it, including a striking lion inspired by celebratory moments, positioned along the Pride in London parade route.

Millions visiting London this summer can explore London Heritage Quarter’s main attraction, with members of the public able to unlock the story behind the artwork, from the artist’s inspiration to the character of its location, while also having the chance to support a partner charity.

Whether as a family day out or a must-see moment for football fans, visitors can immerse themselves in the world’s biggest sport, from free outdoor screenings of the biggest matches to world-class food, drink and hospitality, with the lion trail guiding the way.

 

Ruth Duston OBE, CEO of London Heritage Quarter, said: “Pride in the Quarter is exactly that: pride in our people, our culture, our great city, and our sporting heroes.

“With a summer of international football upon us, what better way to celebrate than unveiling our own pride of lions and lionesses across some of London’s most iconic locations?

“We hope visitors from across the country and around the world will join us to explore the trail, soak up everything the Quarter has to offer, and roar on the national team.”

Roshi Rouzbehani, contributing artist, said: “Each lion set to appear next month tells a different story.

“For me, it was about capturing the feeling of London, its diversity, its movement, and the way so many cultures and communities come together here.

 “Through colour and detail, my giant sculpture will capture that energy and bring it to life in a way people can experience in their everyday surroundings.”

 

London Heritage Quarter will soon unveil the full list of all 17 locations.

Pride in the Quarter, a city-wide trail of 17 lions celebrating the summer of international football, will run from June to August 2026. Learn more about London Heritage Quarter’s activities and discover upcoming events.