Upfest to create new murals in Bristol city centre

A 30-metre (98ft) row of street murals is to be painted in a city centre, organised by Europe's largest street art festival.

The organisers behind Upfest have announced a partnership with Cabot Circus shopping centre that will see five new murals created in Broadmead in Bristol.

Work will start at the end of April and is scheduled to finish in May, ahead of the festival returning to North Street, in Southville and Bedminster.

The festival's founder, Stephen Hayles, said: "It's a chance to celebrate Bristol's creativity while giving artists the freedom to leave their mark on the city."

The new murals will be painted on the building opposite a colourful Aardman-inspired mural by artist Dave Bain, on Quakers Lane.

Artists set to be involved include Inkie, Insane 51, Melo, My Dog Sighs and HazardOne.

Organisers said visitors can expect "big walls, signature styles and a celebration of all things Bristol" in a space which they said is about to look "very different".

Laura Reynolds, destination director at Cabot Circus, said: "Bristol is internationally recognised for its street art and creative culture, and we're proud to partner with UPFEST to bring even more of that energy into Cabot Circus.

"Quakers Art Lane will create a vibrant new cultural destination in the city centre where visitors can experience world-class street art up close while celebrating the incredible talent connected to Bristol."

Founded in 2008, Upfest is Europe's largest street art festival, and this year will take place between 15 and 31 May.

This year, organisers say more than 100 new murals will be created, alongside live painting and creative workshops.

For the past six years, Upfest has held a separate street art festival in Weston-super-Mare, called Weston Wallz, which will also return this year.

"If you'd asked me 18 years ago if we would be where we are now, I would have laughed," said Hayles, reflecting on the festival's journey so far.

"I think it's a testament to everybody that's been involved, from volunteers to the thousands of artists we've worked with."

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