Walls that talk: Thought provoking portraits, youth-led murals and free family art hit Weston this July as Weston Wallz returns

This July, Weston-super-Mare becomes the canvas for one of the UK’s most ambitious street art takeovers, as Weston Wallz returns with a powerful blend of large-scale murals, bold artist voices and hands-on creativity for the whole community.

Running from Saturday 19 to Sunday 27 July, the 2025 edition unveils 19 brand-new murals, created by a standout roster of international and UK artists, with themes ranging from protest to personal identity. Central to this year’s programme is a high-impact collaboration with young people from the North Somerset Youth Justice & Prevention Service - marking a milestone in how public art can challenge perceptions and open new conversations.

To coincide with the summer holidays, Weston Wallz will host a packed weekend of free creative workshops on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July at the Italian Gardens. Open to all ages, activities include MTN spray-painting with Jamel, character illustration with POSCA pens led by Ejits, printmaking with Amy Hutchings, and hands-on zones run by Colourful Minds. Families can also create blooms with Crafty Sew & So and join guided street art tours led by expert Lindsey D.

On top of all the free bookable activity you’ll be able to draw out your inner self at the drop-in Posca doodle hut and creative station. Bring your own bits to upcycle with paint pens or dip into the box of unusual canvases whilst admiring the live painting work of 25+ regional artists as part of the S M Art Sprayjam in the Italian Gardens. 

Image - Weston Wallz line up

Among this edition's headliners is Dale Grimshaw, known for his haunting, politically driven portraits seen across Europe’s streets. Brazilian artist L7Matrix brings abstract realism in a riot of movement and colour, while Australia’s Sophi Odling explores youth, belonging, and cultural hybridity at mural scale. The UK’s HazardOne, a defining voice among female street artists, returns with empowered, character-led imagery, and Irish muralist Shauna  draws on memory and place through emotionally resonant figurative work.

Also joining the line-up are Brighton’s Snub23, whose robotic stencil work fuses future tech and retro grit; Carla James, spotlighting femininity and cultural heritage through bold symbolism; and Melo, a collective focused on social storytelling through community collaboration. Weston Wallz also offers a platform for emerging voices: Jodie Haslam and Luke Knight will each complete their first major public murals as part of the festival’s ScaleUP scheme, mentored by Bristol-based muralists Bex Glover and Andy Council. Jenks, Jimmer Willmott, Kate Elkington, Michael Macqueen, Philth, Rosie Mclay and Sprite will also bring their own unique styles to the streets of Weston.

Artist Kid Crayon will co-create a mural with young people engaged through the Youth Justice and Prevention Service - bringing their perspectives to life in a work that speaks directly from the streets. Meanwhile, artist Aumairah will collaborate with Refugees Welcome North Somerset on a mural exploring themes of shared futures, migration and home.

“Street art has always had the power to reflect the times we’re in,” said festival director Stephen Hayles. “This year, we’re not just painting walls - we’re creating space for stories that often go unheard and we’re inviting the whole community to be part of that conversation.”

All workshops are free, but spaces are limited. Book now at www.tickettailor.com/events/upfest.

Getting to Weston, there’s no better way, drop the car, sit back and relax, just a 20 minute journey from Bristol Temple Meads with our sustainable transport partner GWR 

Now in its fifth year, Weston Wallz is produced by Upfest in partnership with Weston Town Council, Super Culture, Arts Council England, POSCA, and MTN Spraypaint.For more information and updates, follow Weston Wallz on Facebook and Instagram, or head to the Upfest website.