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Mural celebrates town's 'creativity and culture'

Ruth Bradley
Politics reporter, BBC Somerset
Bridgwater Town Deal A colourful mural painted on a black background on a wall above the entrance to Eastover Indoor Shopping Centre. The mural includes a red train and two cowboys on horses as well as fireworks and an abstract illuminated fairground rideBridgwater Town Deal
A "living tribute to the people and stories" of Bridgwater has been unveiled

A giant mural has been unveiled as part of efforts to regenerate a town centre.

The once bland wall on Eastover shopping centre has now been transformed into a "a living tribute to the people and stories that shape Bridgwater's unique character", according to the Bridgwater Town Deal.

The mural was co-designed with local residents, some of whom are featured in the design.

Alongside the mural, plans are under way for a new heritage trail and a celebratory film, which organisers said would "showcase the town's dedication to creativity and cultural engagement".

The mural depicts scenes connected to Bridgwater's annual carnival and themes, including the Wild West and squibbing - where fireworks on sticks are held in the air.

It is the town's latest art installation after a giant replica of the moon floated in the town's docks - but that deflated after two days in strong winds, last October.

An official unveiling of the mural's commemorative plaque is planned once nearby roadworks are completed.

The Eastover mural has been paid for using government money allocated to the town deal, as well as funding from Arts Council England and the Somerset Association of Local Councils.

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