A FESTIVAL where giant murals will be painted across the city centre is planning to go ahead this weekend.

The Worcester Paint Festival is returning to the city on Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18.

Amid lots of closures and cancellations, the event is still planning to go forward to "bring a little brightness to everyone's hearts."

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Kate Cox, festival director, said: "We were so saddened to hear about the passing of Her Majesty The Queen yesterday and totally respect the mourning period and the feelings of the general public at this time.

"After discussions with Worcester City Council and advice from Arts Council England, we have decided that Worcester Paint Festival will go ahead as planned next weekend, with the hope that this will bring a little brightness to everyone’s hearts, whilst still acknowledging the nation’s loss. 

"We will not be having a celebration in any way, just creating artwork which will stay in place for the year, for you to enjoy as and when you like.

"The public can come and go, and if you are feeling sad and want to stay home, the murals will be here to view when you are ready.”

Although the festival would have liked to include a tribute to the Queen, this will not be possible due to the months of planning required for preparing the murals.

As all of the planning took place before the Queen's death the team have been unable to commission a new mural at this time.

READ MORE: Worcester Paint Festival returns to city centre next weekend

The festival has a host of new walls this year, with last year's artwork remaining in place to be enjoyed.

For 2022, the festival is bringing international and emerging artists to the city, with names such as Rocket01, Angry Dan, Sophie Long, Zurik1, Takerone, Wietseart, Emic, and Sepr.

Artists Inkie and Curtis Hylton will also be returning this year, alongside lots of other artists

You can pick up a map featuring all of this year’s murals, as well as 2021’s locations, from Tourist Information at the Guildhall, and from the festival headquarters at the Ping Pong Parlour in Crowngate Shopping Centre during the weekend.

Alternatively, you can download the map, or view it on our website.