TV stars Harry Redknapp and Fara Williams MBE kickstart a summer of football, unveiling lion and lioness sculptures across Westminster
Pride in the Quarter: London Heritage Quarter installs 17 life-sized lion and lioness sculptures across the capital to celebrate this summer’s international cup
- Entertainment and football stars Harry Redknapp and Fara Williams MBE unveil the trail to the public, rallying support behind England this summer
- Life-sized lions inspired by the iconic Three Lions emblem appear near Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament
- The free public art trail runs for two months from 1st June until 10th August across Westminster, and includes a sculpture honouring England’s historic football success
Harry Redknapp and Fara Williams MBE officially unveiled London Heritage Quarter’s ‘Pride in the Quarter’, a new free public art trail of 17 individually designed lion and lioness sculptures across the heart of London celebrating the summer of international football.
Harry Redknapp (former manager, TV star), joined Fara Williams MBE, the Lionesses’ most-capped player, to unveil the first sculptures against iconic backdrops including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament.
Inspired by the iconic ‘Three Lions’ emblem associated with the England national team, the near life-size sculptures will prowl across a 1.945 km² stretch of central London, with each sculpture designed by a different artist and celebrating England’s football story, culture and communities.
Trafalgar Square, famously home to the Lionesses’ international cup celebrations in 2025, features a striking new lion joining the iconic bronze pride at the base of Nelson’s Column. Inspired by the Lionesses’ crest, the sculpture pays tribute to the players who helped bring football home last summer while championing the team as they chase glory again this summer.
Ahead of the international tournament, visitors exploring the trail will discover sculptures celebrating the rise of the women’s game, London’s multicultural identity and football’s power to bring communities together. Artist designs feature lions painted with heatmaps reflecting the locations of football clubs across the country’s domestic leagues, alongside references to the River Thames and the London Underground.
Other sculptures honour pioneering figures and the institutions that helped shape modern Britain, as well as the resilience and community spirit associated with the Blitz. Near the Pride in London parade route by Victoria Embankment Gardens, a striking lioness featuring rainbow-inspired designs celebrates individuality, diversity and the supporters shaping modern football culture.
With millions expected to visit London this summer, ‘Pride in the Quarter’ is set to become one of the capital’s standout cultural attractions and the 17 sculptures will be auctioned to raise funds in support of The Passage, a homelessness charity based in Westminster. London visitors will be able to explore the trail before gathering in restaurants, bars and public spaces across the district to watch England matches and cheer on the national team.
Harry Redknapp said: “Football has always been about bringing people together, and even here this morning, you can get a real sense of that. When England is heading into a big summer, every little bit helps in uniting the nation and building that sense of belief. The trail is a great way to get everyone behind the team, create a real buzz in the capital and hopefully play a small part in making this the summer we finally bring the trophy home.”
Fara Williams MBE added: “When you see something like this, it shows just what the game means. Football isn’t solely about what happens on the pitch, it’s a part of culture, and people want to be involved in different ways. For me, this is about giving fans, families and anyone exploring the city a chance to connect with the game in a more meaningful way especially with such a big summer ahead for England. It’s a great way to bring that excitement out in the city and make it accessible for everyone.”
Ruth Duston OBE, CEO of London Heritage Quarter, said: “Today’s launch of Pride in the Quarter is a moment of real celebration for London, and we’re proud to bring together art, community and culture in a way that everyone can enjoy. We want these installations to offer a moment for people to pause and share a sense of joy together, and we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors from across the UK and beyond to explore the trail, discover the stories behind each piece, and experience the area in a new and inspiring way.”
For families and culture seekers looking for a complete day out, visitors can also enjoy screenings of West End LIVE in Victoria Embankment Gardens on 20–21 June, alongside a world Flavours & Makers Market at Strand Aldwych, celebrating world cuisines, crafts & community-led traders.
London Heritage Quarter’s summer programme will also feature community street banners and cultural activations celebrating the people and organisations who shape the district every day, from educators and youth workers to hospitality staff, charity partners and local businesses.
London Heritage Quarter’s city-wide lion trail, unveiled by Harry Redknapp and Fara Williams MBE to celebrate England’s summer of international football, will run until 10th August 2026. Visit Pride in the Quarter for more information
Hero image credit: Ben Stevens & PinPep