The Street Art Cities Best of 2024 awards revealed some spectacular pieces from the UK. Murals from Bristol, Sheffield, London, Manchester, Leicester, Southend, Fleetwood and Aberdeen all gaining nominations.
This year there were three categories. The ‘Best Mural of the World’, ‘Artist Choice’ and ‘Expert Spotlight’. Each one of the UK’s entrants having been nominated for one of those categories. Public voting took place over the month of January 2025. Although none of this years UK entrants won the top prizes there was still plenty of celebrate.
- The Best Mural in the World category: Showcases murals that represent the pinnacle of artistic achievement. They are voted on throughout the year by the public.
- Artist Choice category: Handpicked by artists, celebrating creativity and innovation in the world of street art.
- Expert Spotlight category: Highlighting murals chosen by experts for their technical mastery and cultural impact.
Liam Bononi in Bristol
83 Lime Road (off North Street), Bristol
A spectacular portrait of a street violinist Rupert Engledow in Bristol as part of Upfest 2024. Liam had seen him performing in the streets of York. Taking some spontaneous shots at the time he describes how the performance had stayed with him. “I decided I needed to bring it to life with this mural” he said. “It was a long winter and it always amazes me how art can help us deal and develop our emotions for a period of time”.
It’s a mural that captures attention. With bold composition and emotional depth. The use of the muted colours and capturing of raw energy creates a mesmerizing piece. It’s a mural that invites viewers to reflect on their own inner journeys.
Nominated in the Expert Spotlight category. It reflects Bononi’s unique artistic style and connection to the city’s rich street art culture.
Peachzz in Sheffield
Cubowork, next to Pounds Park, Sheffield
Reverie is the largest piece yet from Sheffield local Peachzz. Standing 25.5 metres high and covering 225 square metres it took 10 days to complete.
“Funnily enough I didn’t actually know it was my biggest mural until half way through painting it” she said on instagram. “Painting huge walls like this is an absolute dream, I live for it and have enjoyed every second”.
Her work will often blend elements of the natural world and this is what she’s done with this piece. Called ‘Reverie’ it is inspired by the canal systems of Sheffield. The remnants of an industrial age that now support nature such as Herons and Kingfishers. A Reverie is “a daydream, a moment to get lost in what’s around you”.
Nominated for Best Mural in the World category. Peachzz is known for dynamic colors and intricate details. It’s a piece that celebrates the interconnectedness of urban life. You can read more about Reverie here
Sebas Velasco in London
Broadstone House, Dorset Road, London
Created for the London Mural Festival 2024. This is Spanish painter Sebas Velasaco‘s first mural in the city. Called, ‘A Lasting Place‘. It depicts a young man in the city at night.
“I have always been very interested in social architecture. But I had no idea that London (particularly Brixton) was so rich in these aesthetics,” Velasco says.
The work was inspired by an original photograph taken as part of the artists usual creative process. Velasco worked with his long time collaborator Jose Delu to get the right image which was then painted on the wall.
Nominated in the Artist Choice category, this piece blends realism with an urban aesthetic. Creating a thought-provoking work that has captured the quiet beauty of night-time urban life.
SNIK in Manchester
Northern Quarter Car Park, Tib Street
Still Life is the name of the latest mural from SNIK in Manchester. “We wanted to create something that enhances the urban landscape” said SNIK. “But also encourage people to step back and appreciate the little things”. It’s a mural which encourages the viewer to contemplate. To take a moment whilst the world goes on. It’s a perfect example of the duo’s signature stencil technique. Using multiple layers of intricately cut stencils, they build them up to create the image. It’s a process that goes well beyond the actual painting of the wall.
Nominated for Artist Choice award its a piece that combines detailed craftmanship with hauntingly ethereal imagery. Adding a poignant addition to Manchester’s urban art scene.
Sofles in Leicester
Old Car Dealership, Northgate Street
Australian artist Sofles was one of the stand out murals for Leicester’s Bring the Paint Festival 2024. His epic scale works are inspired by graffiti culture and comic books. His aim is to make strong images that evoke emotions in people. Saying on his website that he believes art should be an important part of the city landscape. “I want to create public art for people to enjoy and to transform spaces”.
In Leicester, Sofles has created a dynamic piece with its roots firmly within graffiti culture. Painted onto the front of an old car dealership. It features a central character flanked by Wild Style lettering. It’s bright, bold and a work that displays an incredible amount of style.
Nominated for the Expert Spotlight category. It’s a piece with its roots firmly in graffiti culture. With an innovative design and bold colours. It’s an eye catching addition to Leicester’s streets.
El Seed in London
Pelican House, Bowditch, SE8 3AP
Known for his blend of Arbaic inspired calligraphy and contemporary art. El Seed’s work has themes of unity and peace. Created as part of the 2024 London Mural Festival. This work on a residential tower block is called ‘Spring Always Comes Back’. It is inspired by a work from Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. He said, “You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep spring from coming.”
Nominated in the Artist Choice category, the mural encourages reflection on shared human values and cultural connections.
Ster UPC in Southend-on-Sea
Quebec Ave, Southend-on-Sea
Created as part of Southend City Jam 2024. Local artist Ster UPC depicts a striking and detailed portrait of a Neptune, the mythological deity of the sea. It’s rich blue colour palette emphasising the oceanic theme. He is shown with flowing beard and hair. Blending seamlessly into wave-like patterns whilst waves crash around. He is shown with a golden crown, adorned with ornate details, and a trident in hand. Imagery that re-enforces the regal and commanding presence of the figure.
Nominated in the Expert Spotlight category. It’s mural that captivates with its vibrant blue tones and golden accents. Evoking the majesty of mythology and the timeless power of the sea”.
Seca One and Aylo in Fleetwood
110 Blakiston St, Fleetwood
Called ‘A Wake of Generations‘. This is a collaborative mural in Fleetwood from Seca One and Aylo. It depicts a dramatic and imaginative scene of a sailing boat. It is being cradled by a massive hand emerging from turbulent waves. The boat battles the surging sea, whilst above a seagull soars. A small crab clings to one of the hand’s fingers. The background, filled with stormy skies and frothy waters, conveys the untamed energy of the ocean. It’s a mural that is a reflection of Fleetwood’s connection to the sea. Its maritime history and the traditions that bind the community together.
Nominated for Best Mural of the World. category. It’s a piece that blends raw natural forces with surreal storytelling in a breathtaking celebration of maritime life.
Hera in Aberdeen
‘I am the Keeper of Magic… But I am Happy to Share’. This is the giant 12 floor tall mural from Hera created as part of Nuart Aberdeen 2024. It’s a mural that marked a return to Aberdeen for the artist. Her previous work, created as part of the first festival in 2017, having been demolished. Featuring a young girl holding a Unicorn it is a love letter to Scotland. The Unicorn is the national animal of the country. The girls tender embrace represents the care that she has for it.
Nominated for the Artist Choice category. It’s a towering mural that blends symbolism with emotion and a sense of artistic grandeur.
Cast Your Vote!
These murals represent the best of what the UK street art scene has to offer. Voting is open until the end of January 2025, and the winners will be announced shortly thereafter. Visit www.streetartcities.com to explore all the nominations and support your favourite mural.
For more Inspiring City articles you will like, take a look at…
- All the Murals from Upfest Returns 2024
- Hera creates 12-Story Tall Mural in Aberdeen
- All the Murals from Bring the Paint Festival 2024
- SNIK ‘Still Life’ Mural in Manchester
- Mural of a Cello Player wins Best Mural of 2023
- A Wake of Generations – A Tribute to Fleetwoods Soul
- The Bull is the Best Mural in the World 2024
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