The eagerly awaited Yardworks Festival is making its grand return to Glasgow’s SWG3 Galvanizers Yard on May 3-4, 2025. Now in its 7th year, this internationally-renowned festival will transform the venue into a lively hub of creativity, showcasing stunning large-scale murals and live painting alongside a variety of artistic installations.
This year’s festival promises not just breathtaking artwork but also a deep dive into Glasgow’s rich history of graffiti, street art, and hip-hop culture. Attendees can look forward to a series of free workshops and talks designed to celebrate the city’s vibrant artistic heritage while fostering community engagement.
Among the highlights of the festival is an impressive lineup of both internationally acclaimed and emerging artists. Sofles from Australia will bring his intricate large-scale murals, while Canada’s Bacon will showcase his hyper-realistic depictions of animals and nature. Zurik, who blends bold 3D effects with intricate lettering, represents Colombia and Spain, and Nuno Viegas from Portugal merges graffiti culture with fine art through his photorealistic works. The festival will also feature Jeks from the USA, known for his striking monochrome and full-color portraits, and Kitsune from Belgium, who incorporates mythology and folklore into her vibrant pieces. UK artist Peachzz will present organic textures inspired by abandoned industrial spaces, while Smug, one of Scotland’s most esteemed muralists, will showcase his renowned works like Saint Mungo and The Swimmer.
After a brief hiatus in 2024, Mia McGregor returns with an exciting interactive installation called The Cube, inviting festival-goers to leave their mark. There’s even a chance for visitors to participate in a world record attempt, aiming to break Mr. Doodle’s impressive 203-meter doodle record.
In a major development, Yardworks will now become part of the world’s largest street art platform, Street Art Cities. This partnership will lead to the launch of a dedicated Yardworks site that maps public artworks and creates walking routes through Glasgow, allowing visitors to explore the city’s vibrant urban art scene throughout the year.
The Yardworks Festival prides itself on being a family-friendly event, offering drop-in workshops and free exhibits that everyone can enjoy. Dogs are welcome too! Tickets will go on sale on February 21, 2025, making it easy for all to join in on the fun.
As Gary Mackay, SWG3 Studio Director and Yardworks Co-Founder, beautifully puts it, “Every year, Yardworks brings together an incredible mix of artists, from pioneers of the graffiti scene to fresh new talent pushing the art form forward.” With an expanded artist lineup and exciting new workshops, this year’s festival is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling yet.
So, mark your calendars for May 3-4, 2025, and get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of urban art at the Yardworks Festival!
