Murals to mark town's 800th anniversary

Murals are set to transform a town into an open-air gallery, an art festival's organisers say.

Eight large-scale artworks are being created on blank walls at locations around North Shields in North Tyneside, including its Fish Quay, over the summer.

People will have the chance to watch the six street artists in action during July and August as part of the Elevation Mural Festival.

Organisers say it will turn "everyday spaces into landmarks of creativity and connection".

The festival is part of the town's 800th anniversary celebrations.

Partially funded by the North East Combined Authority, it is being led by local arts charity, Elevation.

Chair Matt Wilson said: "We've been really heartened by the warm response to our plans.

"Local people have a sense that this will be another big boost for the North Shields.

"It promises to be a bold and beautiful reminder of North Shields' unique heritage and its growing reputation as a hub for creativity and culture."

One of the artists taking part in the project, Prefab77, was raised in the town, while another, Nina Valkhoff, is travelling from the Netherlands to paint.

Kirsty Ferguson said she was thrilled that one of the murals would adorn the gable end of her Edwardian home.

"Although the mural will be on my house, it's for everyone - I'm just the host", she said.

"It will bring a new vibrancy to the area and bring the local community together."

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