Striking new mural unveiled in Castleford
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Wakefield Council has unveiled a striking new public mural in Castleford.
The work by Jay Gilleard - an internationally renowned street artist also known as CBLOXX - celebrates the town’s history and heritage. It is the latest phase of the project to transform key routes between the train station and the town centre.
“We wanted something that would bring the story of Castleford to life. And I’m really pleased the artist worked closely with local people to include their stories. The artist has really helped showcase the incredibly rich and proud history of Castleford.”
“This is just part of a series of improvements in our town this year. We’ll be improving our town centre. Supporting our high street businesses. Carrying out more work on the riverside. And helping people get around town better. People will see a lot of activity.”
Cllr Denise Jeffery
Leader of Wakefield Council
A series of workshops were held with Castleford College students which explored young people’s relationship with Castleford, directly inspiring the work. Local research was carried out. And sessions were held with local art and archaeology groups. A quiz about Castleford gathered residents’ ideas and helped determine the final design for the artwork.
The new mural consists of three panels. These include Queen Cartimandua, part of the town’s Celtic past, the Roman era, and lots of references to recent times - such as the River Aire, tugboats, a grindstone wheel, Castleford glass, the Castleford crest, and a miner’s lamp.
“All the local input we received, combined with the artist’s amazing creative skills, have produced a brilliant new piece of public art everyone can be proud of. So, a huge thank you to everyone who took part, and of course to Jay Gilleard who has done such a great job creating the piece.”
Cllr Michael Graham
Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth
The title of the piece is ‘Audacter et Sincere’, which translates as Boldly & Frankly. It has been produced by Huddersfield born artist Cbloxx (Jay Gilleard). Jay is an English muralist, painter, and multidisciplinary artist. Known for co-founding internationally acclaimed street art duo Nomad Clan. And painting the record-breaking, tallest mural in the UK.
The mural has been installed on the pedestrian link between Welbeck Street and Carlton Street in Castleford town centre.
It is part of wider plans to improve the four main routes to and from the station - Beancroft Road Subway, Welbeck Street, Station Road pedestrian link and Tickle Cock Bridge.
This is to encourage users to park away from the station and walk or cycle into the town centre. Other improvements include new street lighting and additional CCTV cameras, which will make the station access safer and easier. As well as new public artwork and small landscaping projects in the area.
Funding has been provided by Transpennine Route Upgrade’s First and Last Mile programme.
Rachael Blake, Sponsor for TRU, said: “We’re delighted to see the project at Castleford progress, following the improvements by TRU at the station that will enhance a number of different access routes.
“This project is part of the TRU First and Last Mile programme, making journeys to stations along the TRU route easier. The involvement of local residents supports a key element of our TRU Sustainability Strategy; Working with Communities.”
The Council has worked with local company Beam Arts UK to commission professional artists to create unique designs for various sites in Castleford.