Mixenden’s Mural Magic

Where Youth, Creativity, and Community Collide

Over the past year, something bold and beautiful has taken root in Mixenden. Following the renovation of the Urban Park, there was an opportunity to hand the reins of imagination to local young people—giving them space not just to play, but to create, to lead, and to leave their mark.

Together with CultureDale and the talented artists at We Belong Here, Active Calderdale launched a long-term engagement plan designed to go deeper than a one-off workshop. We wanted to build trust, nurture voices, and co-create a space that truly reflected the dreams of local youth.

From Sketches to a Shared Vision

It all began with a spark—at the Holy Nativity Church Summer Fair in July 2024. That initial burst of creativity grew into something far greater through a series of workshops at:

• Ash Green Primary School

• Newground Together Youth Group

• Holy Nativity Youth Group

• The Party in the Parks event

Through each encounter, young people shared stories, doodled ideas, and sketched vibrant visions of what Mixenden could look like if shaped by their hands and hearts.

Designing by democracy

All of this creative energy led to three stunning mural designs—each one rooted in community conversations. And, in true Mixenden spirit, the final design was chosen by public vote during the Easter celebration at Mixenden Urban Park in April 2025.

Rolling Up Their Sleeves

Painting began in late June, with over 100 young people joining in to bring the design to life. There’s something truly special about seeing a space evolve through the energy of those who use it. The mural is colourful, imaginative, and unmistakably local.

Why This Matters

Playful spaces like this do more than beautify—they unify. They invite belonging, spark pride, and remind us of what’s possible when communities create with young people, not just for them.

The Mixenden Mural is a living testament to collaboration, youth voice, and the power of a park to become a canvas for change.