THE new mural celebrating Bridgwater’s history by artist Rachel Gundry has been unveiled.

Rachel created the mural with input from the public and it has been placed on the Broadway side of Blake Gardens.

The illustration has been sponsored by Bridgwater Town Council Rachel started work on the mural during the Quayside Festival.

Town council leader Councillor Brian Smedley said “This is a welcome addition to the townscape and something that celebrates the town and it’s history. 

“Of course, it can be seen not just by walkers and cyclists, but by motorists as they pass by – or more likely queue – on the nearby Broadway. 

“The mural is the initiative of local residents who asked for something that brightened up the old Wessex Water pumping station and ward councillors responded. 

“We hope it will be appreciated and respected.”

The mural includes depictions of The Spirit of Carnival Statue at The Cornhill, Blake Gardens, The Docks, a Ferris Wheel and Helter-Skelter from Bridgwater Fair, The Town Hall and much more.

Cllr Smedley added: “We also made sure that the traditional ‘graffiti wall’ part of the building is retained for its original purpose – to provide an outlet for graffiti artists.

“Also, we have had the area around the mural planted with shrubs, plants and flower beds to show to the passing motorists that our town has a lot to celebrate. 

“It just shows the community, culture and creativity that is so abundant in Bridgwater.”

The mural was commissioned to coincide with The Quayside Festival, the free outdoor summer festival which took place on Saturday, July 29 celebrating Bridgwater’s roots as an historic riverside port.

The new festival was a huge hit with thousands of people enjoying the live music, theatre, dance, circus and acrobatics and workshops.
The Quayside Festival was organised by Fuseperformance on behalf of Sedgemoor District Council and Bridgwater Town Council.