Novers Hill has burst into colour. Eleven street artists gathered for a spontaneous paint jam, transforming blank garden walls into a vibrant outdoor gallery. Hosted by a local resident, the event combined live painting, food, drink, music, and community spirit to raise funds for Bristol Children’s Hospital.

Hundreds of pounds were raised through donations, including a creative twist: attendees voted on the name of a new corner lending library by placing donations in labelled jars. The winning name, Page Against the Machine, now marks a public book and game exchange designed to encourage shared learning, radical joy, and neighbourhood connection.

The event featured a diverse group of artists, each contributing their unique voice and style to the newly-painted walls:

Jody (jody_artist) – known for the iconic Greta Thunberg mural on the Tobacco Factory

Joe Greenway (@joegreenawayart)

Mudra (@mudra___.con)

Miss Peggy Brown (@misspeggybrown)

Pekoe (@sneakpekoe)

DazCat (@dazcatgraff)

Koolhand (@koolhand_briz)

Werm (@wermpaints)

Keith Hopewell / SP:Zero76 (@spzero76)

Jim Willmott (@jimmer_willmott)

WhatsXMilk (@whatsxmilk)

Quotes from participating artists underscore the deeper meaning behind the paint jam:

“Supporting the arts is invaluable at this time… Street art murals are an undeniable contribution to community and are widely appreciated yet are painfully underfunded,” said DazCat. “This opportunity gave me the time and space to experiment and include a portrait alongside the animal characters I’m known for.”

“Art and creativity are incredibly important outlets. They’re real, physical expressions with a positive impact, not just images on a device,” shared Werm, who collaborated with Koolhand on a vibrant jungle-themed piece.

“Fund art, not war. Public art has an important role to play, as it always has during times of unrest,” added Pekoe, whose work often blends bold visuals with protest messaging.

Joe Greenway, who travelled from St Ives, painted a portrait of his grandmother from the 1950s. “She had my mum in Bristol in 1958, so the city has a special place in my heart,” he said.

In addition to mural painting, children were invited to take part in chalk art on the pavement, and neighbours gathered to share food, music, and laughter throughout the day. The event marked a celebration not only of creativity, but of shared space, mutual aid, and public expression.

Many thanks to Ashley Porciuncula for the information