Artists to transform forgotten courtyard with mural

Artists are collaborating to produce a "monumental" artwork on the walls of a secret unused courtyard

A group of leading graffiti and street artists are creating a "monumental tapestry of artwork" in a disused Manchester courtyard.

The Withington Walls project will see artists including Hammo, Tea One, Caroline Dowsett and Qubek transform the courtyard walls behind the Edwardian Withington swimming baths in the two-day paint-off.

The group has already transformed other parts of Withington with more than 100 pieces, including a mural dedicated to Marcus Rashford.

Co-founder Ed Wellard said the Paint Jam event was a "celebration of community and creativity" that will culminate in an "incredible legacy piece" in a new outdoor space for community events and classes.

Marcus Rashford's mural was covered in hundreds of messages of support after it was defaced

"Manchester's most talented street and graffiti artists as well as some of the top national artists are taking part," Mr Wellard said.

He said people would have the chance to "watch a piece of artwork unfold in real time".

There will also be DJs, street art walking tours and family friendly workshops.

Withington Walls most famous mural is Rashford's mural which was completed in 2020, in recognition of the footballer's campaign to extend free school meals.

It made headlines when it was vandalised after Rashford missed a penalty during the delayed Euro 2020 final defeat in 2021 and was then covered in hundreds of messages of support.

Withington Walls Paint Jam runs from 12:00 until 20:00 BST and continues at the same time on Sunday.