Street art festival returns with triple the artists

One of Europe's largest street art events will return this year at three times its previous size.

Wall Games - a three-day celebration - sees Northampton town centre turned into a "living canvas" bringing in more than one hundred artists from across the UK.

This year, from Saturday 29 August to Monday 31 August, more than 330 artists will roam the streets for the largest-scale event to date.

James Thompson, founder of the festival, said: "Every year we see artists, families, businesses and visitors travel from far and wide to come together to celebrate art in public spaces. Northampton becomes a living canvas, and everyone is invited to be part of it."

The festival will feature large-scale murals, live painting, music, workshops, competitions and interactive activities for visitors of all ages.

It will be free for the public every day between 10:00 and 18:00 BST.

The festivities are supported by West Northamptonshire Council and Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), to enhance the high street and discourage "rogue graffiti".

Charlie Hastie, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for housing and communities, is delighted to support what he described as "Europe's largest live street art celebration".

He added: "Through commissioned murals and creative public art, we are brightening our towns and neighbourhoods, helping to deter graffiti and vandalism, and creating spaces that support community pride and leave a lasting legacy for our residents and visitors."

Mark Mullen, chief operating officer for Northampton Town Centre BID, said: "It gives visitors another reason to come into the town centre, creates a fantastic atmosphere for everyone to enjoy and, importantly, brings more people through the doors of our local businesses."

Do you have a story suggestion for Northamptonshire? Contact us below.

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.