Artwork production kicks off on landmark Bristol mural celebrating Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

A striking new public artwork has begun taking shape today at Canons Wharf Amphitheatre as the city counts down to hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 from Saturday 13th September. The large-scale mural, created by acclaimed local artist Melo (Esme), is a vibrant tribute to women, sport and the spirit of the city – and will be completed live in front of the public at Bristol’s official Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Fan Zone.

Commissioned by Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025 in partnership with Canons Wharf and delivered by Upfest, the artwork brings together iconic Harbourside landmarks, visual nods to rugby and a celebration of strong women from Bristol’s past and present.

From legendary engineer Sarah Guppy to music artist Eva Lazarus, community champion Jen Reid to local female rowing club the Bristol Gulls, the mural is a dynamic mash-up of heritage, movement and modernity. It also features local hotspots including Millennium Square, We The Curious and the Harbourside’s own Spitfire Barbecue.

The free-to-attend Fan Zone, delivered by Visit West and Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with Bristol City Council, the West of England Combined Authority, Redcliffe & Temple BID and a host of local businesses, will run across two weekends – Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th, followed by Friday 19th and Saturday 20th September – aligning with the tournament’s knockout fixtures.

The artwork will come to life throughout the week leading up to the Fan Zone opening, with visitors invited to watch the creative process unfold in real time. Attendees on Sunday 14th September will see the final touches being added, while those returning for the second weekend (Friday 19 – Saturday 20) will experience the piece in full.

“I wanted the mural to feel alive – full of energy, colour and celebration,” said Esme. “It’s about recognising the strength and creativity of Bristol’s women and doing that at such an important moment for sport in the city feels really meaningful.”

“This mural shows how major events like the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 can spark something lasting,” added Anna Farthing, Interim Head of Place at Bristol City Centre BID. “By bringing together local artists, heritage and inward investment, we’re creating a legacy that reflects Bristol’s spirit – and continues to give back to the city.”

Known for her bold, character-driven style, Melo is one of the city’s most recognisable artists, with works across Bristol exploring themes of identity, empowerment and belonging. This latest project, on a prominent Canons Wharf wall, is set to become a lasting visual legacy of Bristol’s Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 celebrations.

“We wanted to create something that captured this historic moment for Bristol – a visual celebration of women’s rugby and the creative talent within the city,” said Samuel Lawson Johnston, founder of Kinrise who co-own Canons Wharf. “Thanks to the brilliant team at Upfest and the incredible talent of Melo, this artwork will bring colour, joy and a real sense of occasion to the Harbourside.”

Timed to coincide with the opening of the Bristol Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Fan Zone, the mural forms part of a wider celebration of sport and community. The Fan Zone will transform Canons Wharf Amphitheatre into a family-friendly hub of activity, featuring free live match screenings, have-a-go rugby, inclusive sports activities, circus acts, science experiments and creative workshops – all hosted by former England international Amber Reed and rising Welsh star Jenna De Vera.

With four tournament matches hosted at Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol is one of just eight locations hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. This mural aims to inspire young people, especially girls and young women, to connect with sport, creativity and community.

For more information about the mural and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Fan Zone, visit: https://visitbristol.co.uk/rwc25/. Follow @bristolbid @upfest @canonswharf for live updates.

Press Releases - Women's Rugby World Cup

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