FOOTBALL HEROES, MEMORIES AND MYTHS MAKE NEW WEMBLEY PARK SUMMER ART EXHIBITION UNFORGETTABLE

Wembley Park has revealed details of two brand new public artworks being launched for summer 2023 as part of the area’s popular art trail. On public view across the North West London neighbourhood from the first week of July, the new artworks on display include an outdoor photo exhibition, titled ‘Football Should Be Unforgettable’, curated by Alzheimer’s Society and produced by Wembley Park.

Paying tribute to the deep-rooted connection between Wembley Park and English football, the collection features three illuminated portraits of English football stars Jack Grealish, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw to help raise funds and awareness of Alzheimer’s Society’s work. On the large-format photographs, each footballer reflects on their earliest memories of falling in love with the beautiful game, sharing childhood photographs to feature in the display.

Images of other recipients of Alzheimer’s Society’s support, many who are living with dementia, also shared an item or photograph connected to their most precious memory of the game. The exhibition follows the recent announcement of improvements to Wembley Stadium, the home of English football, of which Alzheimer’s Society is a charity partner, and which has become the first national stadium to be dementia friendly.

Alex Hyde-Smith, Director of Income and Engagement at Alzheimer’s Society: “Football has created incredible moments on screens and in Stadiums for generations. From edge-of-your seat matches to the legends of the game, for fans across the country, it’s almost unthinkable that they would forget their most treasured football memories. But for the many fans who will go on to live with dementia, that is sadly the case.

“With 900,000 people living with dementia, enough to fill Wembley Stadium 10 times over, we are excited to be part of Wembley Park’s summer exhibition, as part of our partnership with The FA, to drive home how football should be unforgettable.

“We hope the powerful pictures beside the iconic stadium will inspire people to donate and support Alzheimer’s Society’s important work, so we can reach even more people through some of the hardest and most frightening times, and we can reach them sooner.”