Hit the North Belfast street art festival brings vibrancy to city centre

More than 60 street artists brought colour and vibrancy to Belfast city centre as part of the Hit the North street art festival.

Thousands of spectators attended the HTN block party on Sunday, May 5, to watch some of the biggest names in street art alongside up-and-coming artists testing their talents and transforming the city’s walls.

Run by Seedhead Arts and supported by Hennessy, the festival created a carnival vibe with music from Beat ’n’ Drum Samba band, DJ David Holmes and an array of local street food vendors.

Even before this year’s festival added over 60 new artworks, Belfast was named one of the UK’s best street art hotspots. Research published by Betway analysed 132 cities from around the globe, with Belfast ranking 19th globally, leaving the organisers wondering if after the weekend it might be even higher.

Speaking about the impact of this year’s festival, Adam Turkington, Director of Seedhead Arts said: “Once again, I’m blown away by how our incredible artists push the limits of creativity. From abstract and realism to illustration and lettering, artists have added amazing vibrancy into our shared urban landscape.

“The festival is really seen as having a nose for sniffing out the next big name in street art and we’re so proud to give local and international artists a platform to help grow their talents while transforming shared spaces.”

This year’s festival welcomed a strong global contingent of guests with over 60 international artists from a far afield as America, Asia, Middle East, Africa and Australia.

Elaine Cullen from Edward Dillon on behalf of key partner Hennessy said: “Over the last 12 years, HTN has grown to become one of the biggest and brightest street art festivals in the world.

“While Belfast is no stranger to murals, the street art created by this year’s artists are modern masterpieces, reflective of our diverse city. Thanks to everyone who attended the festival’s block party and each artist who poured their heart and soul into adding to the vibrancy of Belfast.”

Hit the North was initially established in 2013 as part of rejuvenation efforts in the North Street area of Belfast. The festival’s influence and impact has grown significantly since then and it is credited for nurturing and developing Northern Ireland’s street art industry locally.

Take a look through our photo gallery below for some of the street art and highlights from the weekend’s festivities.

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