International street artist from West Yorkshire unveils a new mural in Castleford
It aims to celebrate the town's history and heritage
Last updated 27th May 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.
Cllr Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said:
“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.”
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.
Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said:
“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.”
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.