New 'vibrant and exciting' murals have been painted on The Commemoration Hall in Huntingdon and the Skatepark in Judith's Field, Godmanchester, helping to transform the towns.

Young artists from Europe arrived in the district from September 21 to September 24 and joined students from Huntingdon and Godmanchester to paint the murals as part of the Bridging Art Murals (BAM) Youth Cultural Festival.

The Hunts Post: The new mural on the Commemoration Hall has provided a makeover to the previous mural painted there in 1987.The new mural on the Commemoration Hall has provided a makeover to the previous mural painted there in 1987. (Image: David Landon Cole)

Huntingdon & Godmanchester Twinning Association (HGTA) and The Commemoration Hall combined to organise the event, with the murals creating a visual story of how twin towns across Europe are linked.

Both murals are a montage of designs featuring landmarks in HGTA's twin towns, Wertheim, Szentendre, Gubbio & Salon de Provence, Huntingdon, and Godmanchester.

The Hunts Post: The mural on the skatepark ramp was formed from a blank canvas previously.The mural on the skatepark ramp was formed from a blank canvas previously. (Image: Simon Maylor)

The Hunts Post: The Godmanchester skatepark was transformed by young artists into something vibrant and exciting. The Godmanchester skatepark was transformed by young artists into something vibrant and exciting. (Image: Simon Maylor)

Each young artist then enjoyed a weekend of activities, culminating in a finish with a celebratory hog roast and entertainment by Huntingdon Youth Theatre and presentations at Buckden Towers, where the visitors stayed.

The event's main organiser from HGTA said: "It has been wonderful to see young artists from our twin towns coming together with our own to create these vibrant murals.

The Hunts Post: The murasl depict designs and landmarks from towns across Europe.The murasl depict designs and landmarks from towns across Europe. (Image: David Landon Cole)

"A lasting reminder of our friendships across Europe. It was a brilliant weekend!"

"It [the weekend] created opportunities for our young people to form new friendships, promote further understanding of each others' cultures for the future and provide a colourful and educational legacy that will enhance both towns.

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The weekend also included art-based workshops provided by BID Huntingdon First, led by Jonny Graffiti Barton, who created the murals in Literary Walk.

The Hunts Post: A street art workshop was led by Jonny Graffiti Baron during the Bridging Art Murals (BAM) Youth Cultural Festival.A street art workshop was led by Jonny Graffiti Baron during the Bridging Art Murals (BAM) Youth Cultural Festival. (Image: Simon Maylor)

Huntingdon First Town Manager Paul Sweeney also celebrated the opening of the mural on the Commemoration hall with a speech."

"This mural is a long time coming," he said.

The Hunts Post: Huntingdon First Town Manager Paul Sweeney marked the opening of the mural with a speech.Huntingdon First Town Manager Paul Sweeney marked the opening of the mural with a speech. (Image: David Landon Cole)

"The original piece that adorned the back of the hall was painted in the early 1980s by pupils from St Peters School; that piece has been a central landmark in Huntingdon for over 40 years.

The Hunts Post: Preparations on the Commemoration Hall mural began on September 9, when some of the background designs and outlines were drawn, signalling a new chapter in the story of the hall wall.Preparations on the Commemoration Hall mural began on September 9, when some of the background designs and outlines were drawn, signalling a new chapter in the story of the hall wall. (Image: Simon Maylor)

"Sadly, in recent years, it's fallen to disrepair and was in need of a makeover.

"Flash forward to September 2023, and today we're now standing in front of a brand-new era for the mural, one that I hope will last for another 40 years!"

"What has been achieved over the last few days is nothing short of astounding."