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Bristol mural painted for World Earth Day

James Diamond
BBC News, Bristol
BBC The wall of a house is shown painted with a mural. It depicts the Earth in space with a giant rainbow bursting out of our planet. A honey bee flies beside the rainbow, as a depiction of the need to rewild. In amongst the mural is a road sign for Kensal Road in Bristol, where it has been painted. BBC
Artist Farrah Fortnam said she hopes the work will inspire feelings of "hope"

A huge new mural to celebrate Earth Day has been painted close to a primary school

Created on Kensal Road in Bristol, the artwork depicts our world among the stars as a honey bee flies around pollinating it.

Artist Farrah Fortnam, who created the mural near Victoria Park Primary School, said it is a symbol of the need to rewild the planet.

Earth Day was first held in 1970 as an educational initiative to teach people about the importance of environmentalism.

This year's theme is Our Power, Our Planet, highlighting the need for renewable energy and clean electricity.

Artist Farrah Fortnam stands in front of her mural for Earth Day 2025, wearing a black jumper and sunglasses and with long brown hair. The mural behind shows a giant rainbow bursting out of the Earth into space.
Farrah Fortnam said it took her a week to paint the mural

Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol's Joe Lemer, Ms Fortnam said: "It does look quite magical if I say so myself - thank you sunshine!

"It took me all of last week off and on, in and out of the rain, but yes, I had the heavens on my side.

"I feel like we need as much joy in our lives [as possible] at the moment.

"There's a lot of turmoil in the world as we know, but I just want us all to step back, go quiet, just focus on all the infinite beauty that's on our planet - in the universe - and just know that you're ok."

A close up of the mural highlights writing in the top right corner which says, "World Earth Day, 22.04.25, by Farrah".
Earth Day was first held in 1970

Ms Fortnam says some people who look closely at the mural may spot the Aquarius constellation and Orion's Belt, while more obvious is a colourful rainbow bursting out of the Earth into space.

Choosing the location on Kensal Road, she said, was a "no brainer", given the nearby school.

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