THE SHARD LIGHTS UP FOR THE LIONESSES
17 August 2023
Shard LightsThe Shard’s spire lights will be illuminated in a design inspired by the St. George’s flag for four nights from the 17th August to show support for the Lionesses, as the nation gets behind the record breaking team in the World Cup final against Spain on Sunday.
Back in 2021, The Shard proudly displayed the St. George’s flag when the England Men’s team reached the European Championships final and narrowly lost to Italy. Last year, it lit up with the flag to support the Lionesses at the UEFA Women’s Euros final and celebrate their victory. One year on, the same support is on show for the Lionesses this weekend.
Two young footballers from South London, Aysia-Raine Rowe and Anaiah Edite-Cox, were invited along for a preview of the Lioness display on Thursday evening from a vantage point in Southwark. The pair have been playing football since they were 8 years old. Now they represent the South London Girls Football Academy Under-12s team, with Aysia-Raine playing as a Winger and Anaiah taking on a Central Midfield role.
Situated within sight of The Shard, the SLGFA provides access to professional and holistic coaching for girls aged 4 to 14 years from across the South London Boroughs who are interested in playing football.
Rising stars Aysia-Raine and Anaiah are looking forward to the final this weekend. Whilst they agree England will win, each has a different prediction for the game. “I think it’s going to be a close match with Spain, but England will just shave it with a 3 - 2 victory in normal time,” said Aysia-Raine.
Anaiah is predicting extra time: “I think it’s going to go all the way and we’ll have a penalty shoot-out, with England winning 6 - 5. Whatever happens, it’s amazing to see the Lionesses make the World Cup final. It’s such an inspiration for young footballers like us to think that everyone is suddenly watching the women’s game. There'll be plenty more girls wanting to join clubs like ours and follow in the footsteps of players like Alessia Russo and Mary Earps.”
The Shard Lights, which use efficient LED bulbs installed across the top 20 storeys of Western Europe’s tallest building, can be seen across London and over 40 miles beyond. The dazzling red and white display inspired by the St. George’s flag will be visible to London’s 8 million residents and summer visitors as they travel around the city over the next few days.
The Lioness display will run every evening from 17th to the 20th of August 2023, creating a beacon of support for England as they go for World Cup glory. For live updates, follow @TheShardLondon on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
