Painting set to begin at Quakers Art Lane as UPFEST brings live street art to Cabot Circus

From this Friday (24th April), five artists will be at Quakers Art Lane in Quakers Friars, Cabot Circus, marking the start of UPFEST’s 2026 programme and bringing live mural painting to the heart of Bristol city centre. Until Tuesday 5th May, the five renowned artists will create a series of large-scale works inspired by iconic Bristol. 

Visitors to Quakers Friars can see the murals develop in real time as part of their visit. Whether shopping, dining or exploring Cabot Circus, the evolving artworks offer a changing backdrop throughout the day.

The project builds on the existing Aardman-inspired mural by Dave Bain, further establishing the lane as a new cultural destination within the city centre.

Insane51, My Dog Sighs, HazardOne, Melo, and Inkie, will each bring their own distinctive style to the space. Over the coming days, visitors will be able to watch a range of striking pieces take shape, from a bold Bristol phrase by Inkie and a colourful nod to the city’s festivals from Melo, to a music-inspired piece by My Dog Sighs. 

HazardOne is creating a striking portrait from a powerful photographic image, while Insane51 will create one of his signature illusion murals, revealing two different images through layered colours and filters.

As the murals develop, visitors can catch the artists in action at different points in the day, whether exploring the shops, enjoying food and drink in Quakers Friars or stopping by the recently opened Uniqlo.

Steve Hayles, Co-Founder of UPFEST, said: “This is where it really starts. There’s a unique energy when artists first begin painting - the ideas take shape, the walls start to change and people can experience the magic as it happens. Bringing that into the centre of Bristol, where people can encounter it as part of their day, is what makes Quakers Art Lane so exciting.”

Laura Reynolds, Destination Director at Cabot Circus, said: “It’s fantastic to see the artists now onsite and the lane beginning to take shape. What’s special about this project is that visitors don’t just arrive to see finished pieces - they can be part of the journey, watching the work develop while they shop, eat and spend time here. It adds a completely new dimension to the Cabot Circus experience.”

As the murals progress, Quakers Art Lane will emerge as a bold new creative landmark, celebrating Bristol’s culture and global reputation for street art.

The completion of the murals on Tuesday 5th May will begin the countdown to UPFEST 2026, which returns to Bristol from Friday 15th May to Sunday 31st May, bringing live painting, workshops and community projects to locations across the city.