I travelled to Worcester in search of streets with burst of colour, even though the weather forecast looked less than promising. Accompanied by my daughter and grandson, we set off to explore the city’s urban art scene during the Worcester Paint Festival. From hidden alleyways to large murals, Worcester proved to be a colourful place, full of surprises for anyone who loves street art and photography.
Our first stop was the CrownGate Shopping Centre, which served as the temporary headquarters for the festival. Friendly faces greeted us. We chatted about the Paint Festival and where to see the artwork. Printed maps were available and proved to be excellent as they were clear, detailed, and very useful alongside the online version. A great reference source that set us up for the day.
From the shopping centre, we headed to Angel Place street market, where several art murals caught our attention. The atmosphere of the market combined with the colourful artworks made for perfect photo opportunities. I particularly enjoy capturing street art with people passing by, as it adds a human element that brings both the artwork and the photography to life.
Next, we sought out Inkie’s work at the Royal Porcelain Works. His colourful mural decorated the gate leading to the old printing works and stood out vividly against its surroundings. We then made our way back into the city centre, passing a series of murals, some finished, others still in progress. Friar Street is one of my favourite parts of Worcester, with its mix of heritage buildings and modern urban art. One mural was cordoned off while the artist was working though I managed to catch a glimpse from a stairwell.
Along the way, we discovered plenty of independent shops and more artwork. Before leaving the city centre, I climbed the stairs to the car park roof to photograph some stunning murals, their lively colours contrasting with the rows of parked cars around them.
Our next destination was the Sixways legal wall on Offerton Lane, a council-designated space for street art. Tucked beneath the A449 and running alongside the Worcester and Birmingham canal, it has become a hub of creativity. We parked at the back of Sixways Stadium, and I went on alone to explore the underpasses. Artists were hard at work on the walls of the two underpasses. The air was thick with the smell of spray paint being applied to the concrete.
The line-up was impressive: Worcester Writers KFO crew and guests, featuring PHE, Zeeizm, Kask, Sore, Spar, Knel, WWF (Wizards with Funk) Crew, Buser (OSK Bristol), Inkie (KTS, ASK Bristol), Such (ACT Sheffield), Rob Dise (TWC, Worcester), Merk, Hart, Frank Brough, Umix, and Arbour. I have always loved the names chosen by graffiti writers each one hinting at the personality behind the art. I am unsure who is who in my photographs at the Sixways legal wall, so please do get in touch if you can help with credits.
This visit was just a glimpse into Worcester’s thriving urban art scene, which comes into its own during the Paint Festival. Murals and installations can be found across the city where they are tucked down small side streets, hidden in alleyways, or displayed on large walls. With every visit, there is something new to discover, making Worcester a worthwhile destination for anyone interested in street art, colour, and creativity.
If you enjoyed this then be sure to read my blogs about street art When I visited Cheltenham Spa and Halifax, Canada.
