Bringing Hyde to Life: Colour, Community & Connection

When I first got involved with the Hyde Art Trail, my vision was simple but powerful: to brighten up the town, support local businesses, and create artwork that not only decorated windows but also sparked conversations, built pride, and drew people back onto the high street.

The main goal of the project was to help businesses stand out,  to make their spaces noticeable, colourful, and inviting. At the same time, it was about creating footfall and encouraging people to visit Hyde’s independent shops, cafés, and pubs. Every piece of art was also designed with social engagement in mind. I wanted people to stop, take notice, snap a photo, and share it online, letting the creativity ripple out further than just the street it was painted on.

Tameside Council approached me after seeing the work I had created in Monton and Salford. They already knew about my colourful approach to public art, and how it had helped energise other towns. They wanted to bring that same sense of joy, energy, and positive activism to Hyde.

My Role & Process

My role was hands-on from the very beginning. I personally went out into Hyde, introduced myself to local retailers, and invited them to be part of the project. Once a shop or café agreed, I would sit down with them to understand their business, their brand, and what message they wanted to share with their community.

From there, I created concept boards, initial illustrations, and colour palettes. Everything was bespoke, no two designs were the same. It was important to me that every artwork was co-created with the retailer. I wanted each piece to reflect the personality of the business, while also tying into a bigger sense of energy across the trail.

Once the design was approved, I painted live in-store. This always created a buzz,  passersby stopped to ask questions, to take photos, and often to share their own stories. That live process was just as important as the finished mural, because it brought art out into the open where people could watch, connect, and feel part of it.

Themes, Colours & Designs

The beauty of the Hyde Art Trail was its diversity. Each window or mural reflected the identity of the business it belonged to. Some were bold and graphic, others soft and floral, and some full of playful whimsy.

The whole process was collaborative. For example, if a shop was proud of its heritage, we incorporated traditional symbols. If a café wanted something uplifting and light, we built around that mood. Every choice of colour and motif was rooted in conversations with the people who knew their businesses  and their customers  best.

Highlights of the Trail

There were so many moments that stood out. One of my favourite pieces was the Bengali tiger I created for My Back Home Chai. 

Another favourite was Marie’s boutique, Sincerely Marie. Marie is someone deeply connected to Hyde, and her shop is a reflection of her optimism and belief in the town. For her window, I created a bold statement piece using her brand’s colours, framing her display so that her new seasonal collections could shine. It felt powerful, stylish, and empowering. 

But perhaps the most moving piece was at Hyde Medical Centre. The corridor leading up to the building was very dark and uninspiring. When I was given complete creative freedom there, I knew exactly what I wanted to do: create wildflowers in bloom. Since I was painting in August, I chose flowers that were in season  something people could immediately connect with.

The response was overwhelming. In the final 45 minutes of painting, more than 40 people stopped to talk to me. Some shared stories, others offered encouragement, and many just smiled. I documented what people were saying because it was such a powerful reminder of why I do this work. That one piece showed me how much art can brighten someone’s day  even if it’s just in the few seconds they walk past.

It also reminded me that public art doesn’t just decorate walls; it creates a shared moment, a connection, a spark.

Community & Council Collaboration

Tameside Council supported the project in bringing me on board and connecting me with businesses. But the real magic happened on the ground  in conversations with shop owners, café regulars, and curious locals.

It gave people something to be proud of. Something to talk about. Something to celebrate.

 

Impact & Reflection

Personally, I took away a deep appreciation for Hyde’s community spirit. I met so many hardworking, passionate people who truly care about their town. What struck me most was that it wasn’t just about business, it was about people’s love for their community, their pride in where they live, and their desire to see Hyde thrive.

I hope that as people walked through the town they feel uplifted. I hope strangers smiled when they see a burst of colour. And I hope businesses felt supported and celebrated.

Looking Ahead

I absolutely loved working on the Hyde Art Trail and would love to bring similar projects to more towns. I believe colour and creativity can transform a place  not just visually, but socially and emotionally. Art has the power to bring people together, to uplift, and to make us see our towns with fresh eyes.

This project fits perfectly into my bigger vision as an artist. Everything I create is underpinned by one goal: to have a positive impact on people and places. Whether it’s through murals, window art, or community projects, I want my work to carry positive energy, build connection, and create joy.

The Businesses I Worked With

• Sincerely Marie
• Café No. 77
• My Back Home Chai
• Shakes and Bakes
• Sweet Dinner
• Living Room
• Healthy Hyde
• Grace’s Café
• Jack’s Bar
• Jolly Carter
• Willow Wood
• Home Smart
• Taylor and Wood
• Hyde Pet Food

Final Thoughts: The Heart of Hyde

What connected everything  my artwork, the stories of retailers, the voices of locals  was a shared love for Hyde. A town rich with history, culture, and resilience.

From vibrant cafés and creative boutiques to pubs, dessert bars, and charity shops, Hyde is alive with people who care. People who want to bring back pride, connection, and colour to their town.

The Hyde Art Trail wasn’t just about painting windows. It was about sparking conversations, building relationships, and creating a sense of joy and belonging. It was about showing what happens when creativity and community come together.

And the message is clear: Hyde has heart. Hyde has spirit. And the people of Hyde truly have the power to make a positive impact