Art on the Route as You Walk, Wheel or Scoot Mural Ready for Reveal

I’m typing this with a big smile on my face, because something rather special has just happened in Kettering near Brightwayz HQ with our Art on the Route project.

If you’re local and have walked, wheeled, scooted or even driven along Stamford Road lately, you’ll have noticed a lot of activity around the large wall by the grassy area at the bottom of the hill. Scaffolding, artists at work, and plenty of curious glances from passers-by. Well, I’m thrilled to say that the mural – the centrepiece of our ‘Art on the Route as You Walk, Wheel or Scoot’ project – is now complete!

The scaffolding is still up for a little while longer, but due to come down anytime in the next couple of weeks. And honestly? I can’t wait for you to see it.

Art to Stop You in Your Tracks

Designed by the wonderfully talented Sally Leach of Kettering Street Art CIC and painted with help from fellow local artist Daisy Farrar, the mural is bright, bold, and full of joy. It’s exactly the kind of warm welcome we want for people travelling into town on foot, by bike, or on a scooter or mobility scooter. Because let’s be honest – a boring plain wall doesn’t make anyone want to leave the car at home. But a beautiful piece of art? That stops you in your tracks (in a good way).

More About Art on the Route

We’ve been working on plans for our Art on the Route as You Walk, Wheel or Scoot project since last year and it’s such a great feeling to finally see visible results. The project is funded by the Creative Climate Action fund through Northamptonshire Community Foundation and funded by a very generous anonymous philanthropist (what an amazing thing for them to do!). 

Why Art and Active Travel Just Go Together

Here at Brightwayz, we’ve always believed that if we want more people to walk, wheel and scoot, we need to make those journeys appealing as well as practical. Transport is still the largest source of carbon emissions, and our children’s futures depend on the choices we make today. But this project isn’t about finger-wagging – it’s about love. Love for our town, our local businesses, and our community.

More Than a Mural

That’s why ‘Art on the Route’ is about so much more than one mural. Over the coming months, you’ll also see painted telecom boxes, pavement stickers, more art, wax rubbing posts for curious creatives, and coming very soon an app trail to follow. And our wonderful friends at Laugh Out Loud Theatre Company will be bringing walking performances to the route – because who says getting from A to B can’t be fun?

Connecting with Local Schools and Groups

We’ve already had Year 1 pupils from St Mary’s Primary School getting involved, sharing how they love to travel and inspiring some of the artwork. Their energy and hope remind me every day why this work matters.  We’re aiming to link in with other local schools and community groups too. 

Bulbs and Wildflowers to Brighten the Grounds

The Grounds team from North Northants Council have been amazing too. They’ve rotovated a strip of the grassy area nearby to create a new bed and we popped along to give them a hand with bulb planting and scattering some native wildflower seeds. 
 

A Word from a Neighbour

Ali Ishmail, who runs Fade Empire Barbers next door to the mural, was shown a preview of the design using a virtual reality headset. His reaction said it all:

“It is so beautiful. I think it is going to be good for the business – I’m going to tell many people to come and see it when it is ready.”

I couldn’t have put it better myself. When our streets are brighter, everyone benefits – local shops, families, and anyone who just wants to feel a bit happier on their journey.

Also big thanks to Ali and colleagues for all their support - eg use of facilities for our artists! Having local businesses involved like his makes it feel like a really strong community boost.

Come and See for Yourself

The exact reveal date is not fixed yet, but do keep an eye on the scaffolding around late May – once it’s down, the mural will be there for everyone to enjoy.

And then, mark your calendars for our big public launch on Saturday 4 July! We’ll have walking performances, family-friendly activities, and plenty of chances to explore the route for yourself.

If you are local we’d love you to come and join our activities or get involved even more. And if you are from further afield maybe this will inspire similar projects in your area… or share ideas of similar successes you’ve already had. 

Let’s make Kettering a town where people enjoy walking for everyday trips – one beautiful mural at a time.

For more details, head to www.brightwayz.co.uk/art-on-the-route, and don’t forget to follow the project  @artontheroute on Instagram and Facebook.
 

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