A splash of colour for Macclesfield

A new art trail is brightening up Macclesfield.

Businesses and shops have been transformed by colourful paintings and murals celebrating local life in Macclesfield and its most famous sons.

The project includes a striking tribute to Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis, who spent much of his life in the town and died aged 23 in 1980.

A map pinpointing the artwork and where to find each individual mural can be viewed online.

The exhibition has been funded by a £50,000 grant from train company Avanti West Coast and is part of council plans to regenerate the town.

Councillor Nick Mannion, vice chair of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee, called the artwork an “outstanding project”, adding: “The input of local residents and the Macclesfield Cultural Forum especially has been integral to the final works we can all now enjoy.”

The map, which is available from Macclesfield Visitor Information Centre,  also includes pre-existing artwork commissioned by Macclesfield Town Council and private businesses.

Further information about the trail is available at: Town Art Trail (cheshireeast.gov.uk) and time-lapse films of some the artworks being installed can also be viewed on the council’s YouTube channel.