London International Paste Up Festival 2025

The London International Paste-up Festival returned for 2025 and was a Colourful Collision of Community and Creativity

By Apparan, September 18, 2025

The 5th Edition of the London International Paste-up Festival (LIPF) transformed the streets of East London. Once again turning the streets into a living canvas. Bringing together dozens of artists from across the UK and around the globe. With a mission to uplift the paste-up street art form, the festival lit up the Brick Lane area. Bold graphics, poignant messages and a powerful sense of unity among artists and art lovers alike.

Global Talent, Local Impact

This year’s festival was a true international celebration. From Portland, USA, Voxx Romana brought a touch of the American Northwest to the city. Bringing politically-charged visuals and sharp aesthetics. Whilst from Germany, Mind the Cat returned with a signature cat sitting on a metro sign. Showcasing numerous international artists in paste-up collaborations.

Collaborative Efforts

Long-time supporters and local legends D7606 and C3 travelled down from Manchester. Once again continuing their collaborative efforts with the LIPF and once again proving their dedication to growing the community. Meanwhile, celebrated street art artist WRDSMTH flew in from Los Angeles. Not only contributing his unmistakable typewritten messages but also to help lead the festival’s organisation alongside Apparan and Susi Foxi.

 “It was a thrill to once again be part of The London International Paste-Up Festival. After helping to launch the event in 2021. Under the leadership of Apparan, I’ve participated four out of the five years. The energetic and all-hands-on-deck nature of the event brings the London street art community closer and closer together with each passing year. I love it and am already looking forward to 2026”

A Festival Focused on Community

Unlike more commercial or gallery-oriented art events, this year’s LIPF centered on collaboration and connection. The emphasis was on teamwork, grassroots organising, and building a network of paste-up artists who often work in isolation. The festival served as a hub for exchanging techniques, stories, and aspirations. Ultimately aiming to elevate paste-up art to the broader recognition it deserves within the street art landscape.

“We’re not just putting art on walls—we’re building bridges between cities, cultures, and people. Paste-ups are still under the radar, but our community is growing stronger every year“. – Apparan, founder of the LIPF

Walls That Speak Louder Than Words

Five massive walls were freshly curated with new paste-ups, showcasing hundreds of artworks from international artists. These vivid, ever-evolving murals stopped both locals and tourists in their tracks. For many, it was their first encounter with paste-up art, sparking conversations and igniting curiosity about its roots and techniques. Susi Foxi, who has been arduously traveling back and forth the post office said :

“An amazing avalanche of packages came from all over the world. The pasteup art and stickers are just beautiful to receive and the show of support from artists is continuing in this 5th year. I pick up the mail, cataloguing them and join the beautiful collaging which is the style this festival adopts” – Susi Foxy

In its five years of existence, the festival has hosted gallery shows, a sticker art exhibition, and the much-anticipated “Sticker Movie” premiere. It has further cemented LIPF’s role in expanding the street culture.

Council Crackdown: A Cloud Over the Creativity

However, not all was smooth sailing. The festival faced a significant setback when plans for a large floral paste-up installation at the iconic Seven Stars Yard building were cancelled . This was due to mounting pressure from Tower Hamlets Council and landlords whose permission was vital for the work to progress.

Crack Down

This incident is just one example of what many artists see as a growing crackdown on street art in East London. Local creatives have raised concerns about newly created enforcement roles. Dubbed “Plastic Police” and “Buffer Bees” by local artists for activities which target minor acts like sticker placement. Then offering ineffective graffiti removal efforts that ironically create fresh canvases for new works.

Further Controversy

Further controversy arose when a business displaying a Fanakapan commission was allegedly threatened with licensing issues. That was unless it removed the piece. In response to the backlash, a council representative took to Instagram claiming support for street art. A move many artists see as hypocritical and performative.

“Sadly, the council is interested in the state and developers’ side. They want to turn Brick Lane into an extension of Liverpool Street. Sanitised and profit-driven“. – Apparan

A Resilient Future

Despite the challenges, the festival’s spirit remained unbroken. Businesses like The Oat Cafe continue to support the event. Recognizing the cultural and economic value street art brings to the area. With their backing and the tireless work of the LIPF team. The festival remains a beacon for creative resistance and artistic expression.

LIPF Influence

LIPF’s influence is now being felt nationwide. Events like York Paste-up Fest are beginning to appear. Other street art festivals such as Whitecross Street Party and Look-Up Portsmouth are starting to embrace paste-ups. Beginning to include them within their programming.

Keep Going

As gentrification pressures mount, the London International Paste-up Festival stands at the crossroads of art and activism. Next preparing for an art show “Keep Going” from the 2nd to the 4th of October. At the House of Annette in Brick Lane it will prove that paste-up is more than just a fleeting aesthetic. It’s a movement, a community, and a powerful form of public storytelling.

And if this year’s edition is anything to go by, the paste-up revolution is only just beginning.

Apparan is the founder of the London International Paste-Up Festival. Taking place during 2025 it was the fifth year that the event has been held in East London. The festival runs from 12 September to 5 October 2025 with various events happening each weekend.

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