This autumn, the city of Worcester is going to erupt in an explosion of colour. It won’t just be the falling leaves though; this year, the city’s walls will blossom with dozens of works of art from the nation’s most revered graffiti and street artists.

The source of this forthcoming feast of fine art is Worcester Paint Festival, which will take place on September 18 and 19.

Twenty-five works of art have been commissioned for the festival, given pride of place in locations around the city, including St Peter’s Garden Centre, Crowngate shopping centre, Royal Porcelain Works and Cripplegate Park, as well as plenty of river and canalside locations.

Many of the city’s blank walls will be reinvented as vast canvases, showcasing the work of nationally admired artists like Inkie or Phill Blake, and of new and exciting local artists.

If you’re already missing the painted elephants from Worcester’s Big Parade, then Worcester Paint Festival brings fresh joy with it. The artwork will be mapped out on WPF’s social media and website, allowing you to find all of them, exploring the city anew as it becomes an open-air art gallery.

Funded by Arts Council England, Worcester City Council and The Elmley Foundation, and with private sponsorships from local independent businesses including Heroes Bar, The Paul Pry and Lennon Builders, Worcester Paint Festival will follow the example of the Cheltenham Paint Festival in helping to reinvigorate the city’s economy.

With that in mind, Kate Cox, Worcester Paint Festival director said: “It’s been a long time in the making but we are excited to bring this new event to the city. Street and Graffiti art are amazing artforms with such a vibrant and rich cultural history. Worcester can only benefit from some large colourful outdoor canvases.”