Lion trial across London celebrate summer of football

Seventeen lion sculptures are to be installed across central London this summer to celebrate a season of international football. London Heritage Quarter has announced the upcoming free public art trail named Pride in the Quarter, which runs from June to August. The sculptures are inspired by the iconic "three lions" emblem associated with the England national team. The trail will stretch across 0.75 sq miles (1.95 sq km), from Trafalgar Square to St James's Park and Victoria Tower Gardens. Although the exact locations have not been announced, they are expected to be near landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. Each lion will have a distinctive identity and pattern, ranging from multi-tonal designs inspired by the global spirit of the tournament to installations drawing on London's architecture and green spaces. Contributing artist Roshi Rouzbehani said: "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." Each lion will be painted to have a unique identity Ruth Duston OBE, chief executive of London Heritage Quarter, said the trail was about celebrating London's people, culture and sporting pride. She said: "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."