Ipswich is gearing up for a vibrant celebration of street art and community spirit this September as the Wild Walls Festival transforms the town with murals, workshops, and family-friendly events.
Why it matters: The four-week programme runs from 6 September to 5 October and will showcase local talent, bring internationally renowned artists to Ipswich, and create what could be one of the largest murals in East Anglia.
The big picture: Art Eat Events CIC and The Subversiv Collective have joined forces to deliver this inaugural street art festival, supported by Arts Council England, Ipswich Borough Council, and Ipswich Central.
Key details:
Features new large-scale murals, including a 576 square metre piece on the University of Suffolk's James Hehir Building
Additional murals will be located at The Hold, Ashtons Legal building, and Great Colman Street with smaller pieces appearing in unexpected places around town
Offers free urban art workshops, an art market, and a virtual reality graffiti exhibition
Includes free screenings of three iconic films at King Street Cinema
Concludes with a ticketed closing party at The Baths on 5 October
Renowned artists ATMA, NYCES, WOSKERSKI, and KB Design developed mural designs with local young people during summer workshops
A new street art trail will guide visitors through the works
What they're saying:
Iona Hodgson, Wild Walls project manager: "We are very excited to offer locals and visitors the opportunity to see this work and celebrate the town's street art culture during the Wild Walls Festival."
Nigel Ball, Head of Arts at University of Suffolk: "It is exciting that a contemporary street art festival of this kind is coming to Ipswich, celebrating not only local talent but also bringing in internationally renowned artists to the region."
How to attend: Most events are free. Those using Ipswich Buses to attend will be reimbursed in cash on arrival.
What's next: Full programme details and artist information available at www.wildwallsfestival.com. Film screenings can be booked at www.kingstreetcinema.co.uk.
The bottom line: Wild Walls Festival promises to inject creativity into Ipswich's urban landscape, offering residents and visitors a unique opportunity to engage with street art culture.
