The city of Leicester has been transformed into a vibrant, open-air gallery as street artists from around the world converge for the fourth edition of the Bring the Paint Street festival. Running until Sunday, May 26th, this year’s festival is touted as one of the global free outdoor art exhibitions.
Bright, bold, and brimming with creativity, the festival has seen huge murals spring up across the city centre. The event showcases a dazzling array of artwork, featuring pieces by local and national artists and international talents from Canada, Australia, Brazil, and other parts of the globe.
Artistic Director Izzy Peacock expressed her enthusiasm about the festival’s return, highlighting the calibre of the artists involved. “We are incredibly excited to stage Bring The Paint for the fourth time in Leicester. Our world-class line-up speaks for itself, and we are proud to be working with such an incredible selection of artists. The festival is set to be one of the biggest street art events in the UK this year,” Peacock said.
The festival, which first made its mark on Leicester in 2017, has become a beloved fixture in the city’s cultural calendar. Its impact is still visible through the lasting artworks that adorn the city’s buildings, adding colour and character to urban spaces. Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby expressed his delight at the festival’s return and the ongoing collaboration with Graffwerk, the local organization behind the event.
“Leicester hosted the first Bring The Paint Street Festival event in 2017, and the amazing results of that can still be seen in the city center today. I’m delighted that the city council is sponsoring Graffwerk to bring the event here again this May and look forward to welcoming world-class street artists from around the globe to our city,” Mayor Soulsby stated.
The festival’s significance extends beyond just the visual transformation of the cityscape. It is a cultural melting pot, bringing diverse artists and audiences together and fostering community through art. Visitors and residents alike are treated to a unique visual experience, with each mural telling its own story and contributing to the city’s dynamic artistic narrative.
This year’s festival features a range of activities and events designed to engage the public and encourage participation. Workshops, guided tours, and live painting sessions allow attendees to see the artists in action and gain insight into their creative processes. These interactive elements ensure that Bring The Paint is not just an exhibition but an immersive experience that celebrates the spirit of street art.
The international line-up includes renowned artists such as Brazilian muralist Kobra, known for his large-scale, colourful portraits, and Australian street artist Rone, famous for his hauntingly beautiful depictions of women. Their participation underscores the festival’s reputation as a premier event in the street art world, drawing top talent to Leicester’s streets.
Local artists also play a crucial role in the festival, with many using the platform to showcase their work and connect with a broader audience. The event allows these artists to collaborate with their international peers, fostering a creative exchange that enriches the local art scene.
As Bring The Paint unfolds, the streets of Leicester are expected to draw crowds of art enthusiasts, photographers, and curious onlookers, all eager to witness the city’s transformation. The festival enhances the urban landscape and positions Leicester as a vibrant hub for contemporary street art, celebrating creativity in all its forms.
With its colourful murals and inclusive spirit, the Bring The Paint festival is set to leave an indelible mark on Leicester, inspiring both the community and visitors from afar. As the festival continues through Sunday, May 26th, the city remains a living canvas, showcasing the power of street art to bring buildings – and communities – to life.