Whether you’ve heard of the See No Evil street art festival (a sort of proto-UPFEST) or not, you will know its output. Nelson Street was transformed into one of Europe’s largest open-air graffiti galleries—with many murals now iconic to Bristol’s cityscape over a decade later. But could a new permanent outdoor street art gallery usurp it?
UPFEST looks to kickstart its 2026 programme with Quakers Art Lane in Quakers Friars. Expanding beyond Bedminster and Southville for the first time, Europe’s biggest street art festival will bring five renowned artists to create a series of large-scale murals (April 24 to May 5) for the open-air, street art gallery.
Building on Dave Bain’s Aardman-inspired mural already on Quakers Lane, these five new murals will bring together internationally recognised names alongside emerging local talent. Each mural will reflect Bristol through the artist’s distinctive style, drawing inspiration from the city’s music, creativity and cultural identity.
“UPFEST has always been about celebrating Bristol’s street art culture and sharing it with the world,” said Steve Hayles, Co-Founder of UPFEST. “Partnering with Cabot Circus to create Quakers Art Lane feels like the perfect collaboration, bringing more street art right into the heart of the city.
“Watching five incredible artists transform this space into a permanent outdoor gallery will be something really special. It’s a chance to celebrate Bristol’s creativity while giving artists the freedom to leave their mark on the city.”
Who is taking part in Quakers Art Lane?
Bristolian legend Inkie, one of the most influential names to emerge from the city’s graffiti movement, returns to UPFEST as a long-time supporter of the festival. His work can be seen across Bristol, including three artworks along North Street in Bedminster.
Bristol-based muralist and UPFEST 2026 headliner Melo also joins the line-up. Known for her vibrant characters and bold use of colour, Melo’s work has been seen across Bristol, including a recent mural completed live onsite at the official Women’s Rugby World Cup Fan Zone at Bristol Amphitheatre last September.
Internationally renowned Greek artist Insane51 will be creating one of his Double Exposure 3D murals at Quakers Art Lane. For UPFEST’s 2021 75 Walls project, he created NYX holding Serene, a huge mural on the Tobacco Factory that used his signature coloured filter technique to create a multi-dimensional masterpiece.
My Dog Sighs rose to fame with his Freeartfriday project, leaving free artworks in public for people to find, helping spark the global Free Art Movement. The Portsmouth-based artist is no stranger to Bristol. His standout mural with artist Curtis Hylton can be found on the side of the Rising Sun at the top of Windmill Hill.
Finally, the work of Bristol artist HazardOne—named one of the UK’s Top 5 female graffiti artists by The Guardian and among the world’s Top 25 female street artists by The Huffington Post—can be seen across the globe, from the top floor of the World Trade Centre in New York to a seven-story-tall mural in St Pauls.
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