The series of large-scale public artworks transform the iconic railway pillars beneath Silver Jubilee Bridge.
A free community celebration on Saturday, July 26, from 1pm to 5pm, invites residents and visitors to explore the new outdoor gallery, join creative activities, and discover the history behind each mural.
Highlights include mini mural-making workshops inspired by the new artworks, guided tours sharing the stories behind each mural, and circus skills inspired by the pubs and theatres mural.
There will also be a drop-in session to hear the history of the murals at Society Taprooms with Runcorn and District Historical Society, and a visit to All Saints Church to see the new Æthelflæd stained glass window.
Refreshments and community updates will be provided at the Buddhist Peace Garden, and there will be an evening celebration at Society Taprooms with a hip-hop night.
The project, delivered by Reconnecting Runcorn, Hazlehurst Studios, and partners, celebrated Runcorn’s people and past, brought to life by muralists Liam Bononi and Aylo Nomad.
The artworks interpret four powerful stories from Runcorn history, including Æthelflæd in 915 AD, suffragettes and the 1913 bombing, pubs and theatres of old Runcorn, and The Shaws in 1881.
“More than just murals, these works are a public archive in paint. They reflect the soul of Runcorn – its stories, its creativity, and its community spirit,” said Claire Pitt, director of Hazlehurst Studios.
“In big cities, people are used to murals and often walk by without much interest,” said muralist Aylo Nomad.
“Runcorn was different, people stopped to talk, asked questions, and shared stories. It really felt like the murals meant something to the community.”
“It’s important to see their stories coming to life,” added Liam Bononi.
This event also ties in with the launch of Unlock Runcorn’s new boats Aethel’ and ‘Fraeda’, on the canal from 1pm to 5pm.
The boats’ names are a tribute to the town’s legendary founder and warrior, Æthelflæd, who is also a part of the mural project.
A council spokesman said: “The July 26 event is the true representation of what Reconnecting Runcorn means to the community.
“It brings together and celebrates three of the exciting projects that have been brought to life, giving the community a taste of what we can expect as the programme continues to develop.
“This project is part of Reconnecting Runcorn, one of 15 initiatives funded by the UK Government’s £23.6million Towns Fund, aiming to transform the town through improved public spaces, cultural investment, and community-led regeneration.”
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