Media release
Leicester Nirvana FC Captures Its Legacy: A Groundbreaking Heritage Project and Outdoor Exhibition
Celebrating the social action of red star and future climate resilience in Hamilton
A new documentary film, outdoor exhibition and digital archive were created working with members, fans and players from one of the city’s most diverse community football clubs.
Leicester Nirvana is proud to announce the successful launch of its innovative heritage project, a remarkable outdoor exhibition that captures the rich history of the grassroots football club and celebrates its vibrant community. This initiative, titled “Passing It On,” ventured into the realm of arts and heritage to document the club’s legacy, making it a truly unique endeavour in the world of football.
The project concluded as part of the city centre wide Re/action Festival held on 26 and 27 July 2025. It aimed to spotlight the evolution of Leicester Nirvana, a grass-roots football club born from the activism of the Red Star youth group in the 1980s, while highlighting its bold ambition to become the UK’s first carbon-neutral football clubs.
“Our project reflects Leicester Nirvana's journey from Highfields to Hamilton. By honouring our history of social action, we can start to create a lasting legacy for generations to come.” - Leicester Nirvana
Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to explore the unique heritage of Leicester Nirvana. The club worked with partners, Art Reach and Opal 22.
Visitors had the opportunity to delve into the club's history and gain insight into the experiences of its members over the years. The exhibition was strategically set up on Humberstone Gate in the city centre, just a stone's throw from the iconic clock tower, and featured a variety of engaging activities:
A captivating screen displaying a short documentary about the club and the making of the project.
An outdoor 12-part photo exhibition highlighting the faces and stories of past and present club members.
A penalty shootout for participants and onlookers to enjoy some friendly competition.
Spaces for 1v1 and 2v2 challenges, creating an interactive experience for attendees.
The club has designed a dedicated webpage outlining the timeline of Leicester Nirvana's key moments, along with links to the exhibition and documentary. Other elements of the project include:
Two extended interviews—one with a founding member discussing the inception of the club, and another featuring video questions from young members directed to original members.
Three video podcasts and one audio podcast, including discussions with committee members about the club's current direction, reflections from members of the original Red Star team, insights from senior first-team players, and narratives from founding members regarding the driving forces for change within the club.
Leicester Nirvana extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported this initiative and contributed to the understanding that the club is more than just a football entity. It is a community, a legacy, and a driving force for social action, celebrating the heritage of Red Star while advocating for the future.
The exhibition and documentary will serve as lasting legacies of Leicester’s rich history, offering opportunities for community pride and a renewed understanding of how sport can unite people across generations, cultures, and shared goals.
