Dragons and dinosaur murals take over city centre

Stuart WoodwardReporter
News imageStuart Woodward/BBC A dinosaur mural painted on the side of Chelmsford Market car park.Stuart Woodward/BBC
The Concrete Canvas event showcases artists from Essex and London

Dinosaurs, dragons and ducks have appeared across Chelmsford as part of a street art project.

The Concrete Canvas event has taken over the city for the third time, covering buildings and street furniture.

This year’s creations will join up with previous years’ artwork to create more than 100 murals.

All of this year’s artists are from Essex, London or have a personal connection to the area.

News imageStuart Woodward/BBC A dragon mural on a wooden boarding on Baddow Road, Chelmsford.Stuart Woodward/BBC
Artists have taken over wooden boarding on Baddow Road with spectacular designs
News imageStuart Woodward/BBC A mural of ducks on a telephone exchange cabinet in Chelmsford.Stuart Woodward/BBC
The artwork has appeared on buildings and street furniture such as telephone exchange cabinets

The project has been created by the Chelmsford Business Improvement District (BID), Chelmsford For You and supported by Chelmsford City Council.

"I'm really proud to be inviting artists to paint again in Chelmsford for Concrete Canvas, especially as this year we will reach the milestone of creating our 100th mural," said project manager Candy Joyce.

News imageStuart Woodward/BBC A mural on the side of Chelmsford Market.Stuart Woodward/BBC
More than 250 artists applied to take part in the street art festival
News imageStuart Woodward/BBC A dinosaur mural painted on the side of Chelmsford Market car park.Stuart Woodward/BBC
Two of the largest murals cover several storeys of Chelmsford Market's car park

Sara Tupper, BID Manager, added: "We’re thrilled at the response to Concrete Canvas over the last two years and cannot wait to see this year's additions and extended trail.

"The artwork not only enhances the profile and visitor experience of the city centre but also increases the footfall, with people travelling in from as far as Leeds to view the beautiful murals."

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