The Merrion Centre is set to become one of Leeds’ must-visit destinations for football fans this summer with the launch of a unique new exhibition, Football in Fabric, alongside a programme of World Cup-themed activities across the shopping hub.
Opening in June 2026 to coincide with the start of the FIFA World Cup, Football in Fabric is an immersive exhibition exploring football culture, identity, memory, and community through decades of shirts, memorabilia, photography, and personal stories. Created by lifelong football enthusiast and collector Nicol Rorrison, the exhibition charts a deeply personal journey through football fandom – from childhood memories of the 1986 World Cup and classic kits to the sport’s wider social impact on generations of supporters.
Located on the Merrion Centre’s upper balcony level, the display forms part of the centre’s wider “World Cup Ready” campaign. Visitors can take advantage of curated shopping guides featuring tournament essentials, including food, drinks, decorations, and match-day supplies available from retailers across the centre.
Photograph by Richard Walker/ImageNorth
In addition, fans can participate in the “Take a Shot and Win” social media competition by posing in a specially designed World Cup-themed photo board installation. Prizes up for grabs courtesy of Merrion Centre tenants include:
- Tickets to a gig of the winner’s choice at the First Direct Arena
- Complimentary meals at selected Merrion Centre food outlets
- Free karaoke sessions at K-Cube
- Exclusive retailer prizes and giveaways throughout the tournament
James Broughton, Head of Marketing & Communications for Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of the Merrion Centre, said:
“Football has an incredible ability to bring people together and this summer we wanted to create something that captures that excitement and sense of community throughout the World Cup. ‘Football in Fabric’ is a brilliant addition to the centre and offers something genuinely unique for Leeds.”
Nicol Rorrison, creator of Football in Fabric, added:
“This exhibition began as a personal project rooted in football, nostalgia and memory, but it has grown into something much broader about people, friendship and shared experience. Football shirts and memorabilia often carry stories that go far beyond sport itself. I hope visitors will see parts of their own lives and memories reflected in the exhibition.”
