6–7 September // Across Sheffield // Free to Attend
From graffiti battles and mural trails to hands-on workshops and live painting from international street artists, Lick of Paint is set to bring plenty of colour and culture to Sheffield next month. Co-founded by local artists Megan Russell (aka Peachzz) and Alastair Flindall (Neck of the Wood Studio), the festival is the first of its kind in the city – a weekend-long celebration of public art that’s deeply rooted in community spirit.
“We’ve always said this isn’t just about a one-off event,” Megan told Exposed over a Zoom call last month. “It’s about legacy. We want to build something that lives beyond the festival weekend – more opportunities for artists, more public engagement and more beautiful spaces across the city.”
Taking place 6–7 September, the Lick of Paint festival will showcase work from around 15 artists painting live across sites in the city centre, Kelham Island, Castlegate and beyond. There’ll be large-scale murals, pop-up pieces and free workshops for all ages – from doodling walls at Nomad Maison to a spray can upcycling session at House Skatepark, where attendees can bring anything from old T-shirts to tatty chairs for a needed creative refresh.
“We’ll have loads of spray cans, and people can just come down and have a go with stencils,” Megan says of the event. “It’s all about accessibility – making it free, fun and hands-on. If something literally needs a lick of paint, this is your chance.”
Each location will offer its own experience. Look out for graffiti battles, live music/DJ sets, films and documentaries, food and drink stalls, and a print shop where you can support artists directly. The festival has even secured a mural spot on the outside of the Kelham Island Museum site – an eye-catching addition from artist Tech Moon that Megan claims gave her “goosebumps” when she first saw the design.
Visitors will be able to follow the trail via a printed or digital map, leading them through the city’s emerging street art spots. “We’ve kept the route to about a 20–30 minute walk,” Megan points out. “We wanted it to be accessible – nothing too hilly, which can be tricky in Sheffield!”
Alongside new pieces painted live during the weekend, the trail will also feature recent murals created as part of Lick of Paint’s ongoing programme. It’s part of the co-founders’ commitment to long-term impact – both in supporting Sheffield’s artist community and brightening public spaces across the city.
“We’ve been working all year with artists, students and organisations to make new murals and pieces of art happen. We’ve had projects in Netherthorpe with Hallam Uni students, and others at places like the Millennium Galleries, Castlegate and Fitzalan Square. So even before the festival begins, the city’s already changing.”
Born from a shared vision between two artists, Lick of Paint isn’t just about painting walls – it’s about reshaping how street art is seen and supported. “We’re trying to rewrite the narrative,” Megan says. “We make sure that artists are always paid fairly. It’s about celebrating creativity in all its forms – from graffiti to large-scale murals.”
As well as championing plenty of Sheffield-based talent, the line-up includes out-of-town guests and at least one international artist. Importantly, Lick of Paint gives space to artists at all stages of their careers. “We’ve got a growing list of artists we recommend for jobs,” Megan explains. “Once someone gets picked for a commission, they step out of the pool, so it’s not always the same people getting work. It keeps it fresh, and makes it fairer.”
Although originally intended as a biennial event, the response has been so enthusiastic that the team already plan to return in 2026 – with even bigger walls, wider workshops and a more developed mentorship programme.
“We had loads of ideas for talks, lectures and tech workshops this year, but we just didn’t get the funding over the line. So we’ve decided to do it again next year too – grow it, keep the momentum going and hopefully bring even more people into the fold.”
To support the festival, there are several options available: contribute to their GoFundMe (search ‘Lick of Paint Sheffield’), pick up official merch via Okay Clothing (okay-clothing.com) or simply turn up, take part and spread the word.
As Megan puts it: “Sheffield means a lot to both of us. This city’s got such a rich culture of graffiti, art and creativity – we just want to keep building on that. For the artists, for the community, for everyone.”
For updates, maps and artist announcements, follow @lickofpaintfest on Instagram and keep an eye on lickofpaintfest.com.
