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Upfest: Weston-super-Mare's dramatic street art makeover

Steve Hayles Weston mural featuring donkeysSteve Hayles
Weston Wallz is organised by the creators of Upfest, the largest street art festival in Europe

The dramatic makeover of a seaside town during an art festival has "brought street artists together", organisers have said.

Taking place in Weston-super-Mare, Weston Wallz is in its third year and is organised by the creators of Bristol's Upfest, the largest street art festival in Europe.

Artists, including Katie Scott, Peachzz, Inkie, My Dog Sighs and Sarah Dicks, have been working on 18 new murals across the town.

Upfest Co-founder, Steve Hayles, said it was "really lovely" to see the enthusiasm for the project from the locals residents.

He added that some "sit there for three days and watch" while the paintings progress.

Steve Hayles Dog mural on a buildingSteve Hayles
The trial includes artworks by Katie Scott, Peachzz, Inkie, My Dog Sighs and Sarah Dicks

Fine art and street painter Mishfit, who has painted a mural named 'Let your light shine', said: "I wanted to gift a piece that was sunshiny all year around, so basically even in the winter it's going to be really bright.

"It's a woman looking up at the sun basically, like a sun worshipper.

"It's just a real positive optimistic statement and hopefully will just brighten the greyer winters."

The mural can be found on Knightstone island, a place she said was a "beautiful spot to paint".

Steve Hayles An eye mural on a buildingSteve Hayles
Upfest co-founder Steve Hayles said the community have been "so behind it"

The 18 Murals can be found at locations including the RNLI gift shop at the marine lake, the Oxford Corner Café, Olea and Old Post Office Lane.

An interactive map is available for trail hunters.

Steve Hayles Mural on the side of LazerQuest in Weston-super-MareSteve Hayles
Artists Lucas Antics, Samo, Squirl, Will Barras and Faye Suzannah have taken part in the project

"All the artworks are spread out around the town, we're drawing people away from the beach and into the local economy," Mr Hayles said.

"They're popping up everywhere.

"In Bristol there are hundreds of murals now, but coming into a seaside town like this, the community have been so behind it."

Steve Hayles Artists painting a wallSteve Hayles
18 murals have been painted across the town

Artists Lucas Antics, Samo, Squirl, Will Barras, Faye Suzannah and Molly Mural, Ejits, Acerone, Mr Draws and Martin Glover have also taken part.

Weston-super-Mare town council, Culture Weston and Arts Council England have partnered up with the organisers to run the project.

Steve Hayles Pink flowers and leaves painted on a wallSteve Hayles
Visitors can use an interactive trial map to find the artworks
Steve Hayles A pink dog mural being painted on a buildingSteve Hayles

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