Blackpool Street Art

The introduction of street art to Blackpool’s cultural scene has been significantly influenced by the Blackpool Urban Art Festival (Sand, Sea and Spray), which has played a crucial role in showcasing and promoting contemporary urban art within the town. This annual festival, established in the early 2010s, was a key driver in transforming Blackpool from a traditional tourist destination into a vibrant canvas for modern artistic expression. The Blackpool Urban Art Festival was conceived as a means to breathe new life into the town’s public spaces, providing a platform for both emerging and established artists to display their work. The festival’s primary aim was to celebrate street art and other forms of urban creativity, fostering a dynamic environment where artists could experiment with new techniques and themes while engaging with the local community.

The festival typically features a diverse range of activities, including live mural painting, art installations, workshops, and artist talks. These events not only enhance the visual appeal of the town but also actively involve residents and visitors in the artistic process. By offering workshops and interactive sessions, the festival encourages community participation and fosters a deeper appreciation for street art. One of the festival’s notable contributions is its role in revitalising neglected areas of Blackpool. Through collaborative projects, the festival has transformed blank walls and underused spaces into vibrant public artworks, which in turn have helped to rejuvenate these areas. This approach has been instrumental in the broader regeneration efforts within the town, adding colour and creativity to previously overlooked locations.

The festival’s influence extends beyond mere aesthetics; it has played a significant role in shaping Blackpool’s identity as a modern cultural destination. By drawing attention to the town’s evolving art scene, the festival has helped position Blackpool as a hub for contemporary urban art, attracting visitors and art enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond. Furthermore, the Blackpool Urban Art Festival has strengthened the connection between street art and the local community. The festival’s emphasis on local themes and collaboration with Blackpool’s residents has ensured that the artworks resonate with the town’s unique character and history. This community-focused approach has also helped to foster a sense of pride and ownership among local residents. The Blackpool Urban Art Festival has been pivotal in introducing and establishing street art as a key component of the town’s cultural landscape. By showcasing urban creativity and engaging the community, the festival has transformed Blackpool’s public spaces, supported the town’s regeneration efforts, and reinforced its identity as a dynamic and modern cultural destination. Through its continued success, the festival ensures that street art remains a vibrant and integral part of Blackpool’s evolving artistic expression.

This painting by Dale Grimshaw is on Lord Street in 2015, quite close to the Blackpool North Train Station.

Turning of Tides, created in 2024 by The Butterfly Effected, located at the end of High Street near Blackpool North train station.

This painting by Dale Grimshaw, created in 2016 is on the back of a building facing Cookson Street Car Park.

Created by ‘Nils’ at Sand, Sea and Spray even in 2015.

Created by ‘Catch22’ in 2015.

The woman art is created by ‘Akse (P19 Crew)’ in 2023.

Works by Otto Schade and ‘pawski_h2i’ in 2021.

A collaboration of Fabian Bane, Smile_Artist and Pest resulted in this work being made in 2021.

Another piece by Otto Schade, in 2014.

Artist Matt Bishop created this mural of Jimmy Armfield in 2022.

This piece was created by the artist ‘Big Bozo’ in 2011. The Cookson Street Car Park image of the DJ has since been painted over. This image is © Alamy.

The Cookson Street Car Park image of the magician has since been painted over. The art piece was created by famous Australian street artist ‘Smug’ in 2013. This image is © Alamy.