Art Battle MCR To Raise The Roof On Stretford Mall For One Final Party In The Mall

The event will see artists battle the clock (and each other) for a night filled with live art, delicious street food, local drinks and plenty of entertainment. The Mall will be transformed into an artistic battle zone for ten talented painters, who will have half an hour to create a masterpiece in front of a live audience. They will be elevated on individual stages right across the Mall creating the very first promenade style Art Battle and a totally unique event.

Residents of Stretford and beyond are invited to take their place in the live audience and vote for their favourite artistic creations. All artwork created by the participants is also auctioned at the end of the competition, with half of the funds raised going to the winning artist, and the other half to a local charity. 

The Art Battle MCR and Stretford town centre collaboration is the latest in a long line of iconic artistic partnerships that have taken place in the town. Known for being a thriving, creative powerhouse Stretford's unprecedented back story includes playing host to countless artistic events including the recent Rainy Heart collaboration that attracted worldwide acclaim, being home to the formation of one of the UK’s most critically acclaimed bands The Smiths and the brand new Creative Stretford Socials which celebrates and brings together the local creative community. Art Battle MCR XXVI will also celebrate the future of the town’s unique creativity with an exhibition from Trafford College art students installed in the Mall for the duration of the event, showcasing the latest local grassroots talent that the area has to offer. 

John Macaulay from Art Battle Manchester said: 

”When the opportunity arose to bring the battle to Stretford Mall, we couldn’t resist. It’s a town that has birthed some legendary creative people and moments - from Morrisey forming The Smiths to a visit from the world’s greatest battler, Muhammad Ali. As well as the painty shenanigans we’ll be bringing together some of Stretford’s finest independents serving an array of food and drink to the crowd.”

Abby Barker, Events and Community Engagement Manager from Bruntwood added:

“We’re delighted to host the Art Battle in Stretford town centre. It will be an unforgettable evening in the Mall and a great opportunity to celebrate and support the town’s creative community. As we look forward to the new high street opening this summer it feels like a great chance to celebrate this new chapter.” 

First established in 2013 Art Battle Manchester has seen over 250 artists step up to the challenge in unique locations across Manchester - including the likes of Albert Hall, Victoria Baths and London Road Fire Station. Whether an iconic landmark or a forgotten space, no venue has been used twice, ensuring each Art Battle offers a fresh and original experience.  It’s an evening of fast-paced art and entertainment, featuring painters, illustrators, tattooists, street artists, and other creatives in a head-to-head spectacle like no other. The evening will see plenty of surprises thrown in the mix too, with previous events enlisting everything from fire breathers and skateboarders to live bands and magical unicorns. 

Tickets are on sale from Saturday 3rd May via this link.