Spotted! Painting the town with Smiths Hire machines

We were thrilled to be a part of the Common Walls International Mural Festival in Rochdale last week, some of the world’s best artists descended on the town turning it into a huge urban at gallery!

Last week the Common Wall International Mural Festival took place across the Greater Manchester town of Rochdale, the town became a blank canvas for world renowned artists as they created art that tell the story of Rochdale, its history, people and culture. Artists such as Insane51, Onur, Smug1, SecaOne, AYLO, Epod and Cabasa Carnival Arts took part and turned the town into a huge urban art gallery. 

The new, unique artwork was created on 10 buildings as well as other featured pieces created in the town centre. View the Festival Guide to see the location of the wall murals, both new and existing. All of the murals are located withing a 30-minute walk around the town on site including Drake Street, Baillie Street and Bell Street.

Before image of the blank canvas

During the installation

You can see the detail coming together

The Common Walls International Mural Festival is part of a spectacular line up of festivals, live performances, exhibitions and art during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26. The title, awarded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, celebrates the town’s rich history, creativity, talent and diverse arts scene. 

The Common Walls International Mural Festival is curated by The Big HeArt Projects, run by The Butterfly Effected, a community interest company that helps create inspiring art.

We were thrilled that some of our access machines were able to play a part in the festival , enabling the artists to reach the heady heights needed to create their art pieces on the sides of the buildings quickly and safely.

If you have a special project, similar to this one, then get in touch to discuss your requirements and get a Smiths Hire access machine on-site to help get the job done! 

Contact our Central Hire team here – our team have expert industry knowledge and can help and advise with finding the right machine for your project OR why not try out our new Powered Access Machine Finder here – use the filters to find your perfect access machine quickly and effortlessly! 

Artist, Epod with his mural at the Rochdale festival.

Smiths Hire machines featured –

12m Rough Terrain Diesel Scissor Lift – Dingli JCPT1218RT

21m Articulated Boom Lift – Genie Z-60 FE (Hybrid)

12m Rough Terrain Diesel Scissor Lift – Skyjack SJ6832RT