A Bold Splash Of Colour And Pride In Castleford

If you’ve wandered past Savile Park in Whitwood, Castleford lately, something might’ve caught your eye, a massive, colourful mural now stretching across the park wall. But this isn’t just paint on panels. It’s a big, joyful nod to the local community, designed by people who actually live there. And if you’ve ever walked a dog, kicked a ball, or had an ice cream in that park, you’re going to feel something when you see it.

So here’s the lowdown on why this mural matters, and why it’s already become a bit of a local treasure.

A mural made by the people, for the people

This isn’t one of those artworks where you squint and try to figure out what it’s supposed to mean. Nope. It’s got buildings, places, and sports scenes that locals will instantly recognise. The artist, Tony Wade, didn’t just guess what to paint, he asked.

He worked with school kids, the Savvy Park Runrz, Castleford Cricket Club, and even the Savile Park Bowling Club to find out what makes this space special. There were public workshops, craft sessions in the library, and even contributions from all three of the local primary schools. It’s like a giant group selfie, but in mural form.

“It’s important that local people of all ages contributed directly… and their skill and creativity is evident in each brushstroke,” said artist Tony Wade.

Where is it exactly?

The mural runs along the Lumley Street side of Savile Park. It’s not just a little panel either—this thing is over 300 feet long, made up of 18 aluminium panels, each 4ft by 8ft. Plus, there are butterflies painted on the entrance gate, ones you might actually see flitting about in the park.

Think of it as the park’s own Instagram filter, but permanent.

Why now?

This whole project is part of something bigger, Our Year – Wakefield District 2024. It was a full year (well, 366 days because of the leap year) of celebrating Wakefield’s culture, creativity and history. The mural falls under the “Crossings and Gateways” strand of that project, aiming to literally brighten up gateways into communities.

It’s supported by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Arts Council England, and Wakefield Council, with local councillors from the Altofts and Whitwood ward using their Local Capital Grants pot to help fund it.

“We want people to stop and look at the artwork and be proud of the place they call home,” said Cllr Hannah Appleyard, Wakefield’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport.

What it says about the area

This mural isn’t just a pretty face. It says something real: that places like Castleford matter. That people care. And that green spaces, like Savile Park, are more than bits of grass, they’re where life happens. Birthdays, football games, sunny-day naps, first dates. And now? Public art, too.

“It’s a fantastic example of how the community, local councillors and the Council can work together to improve our local areas,” said Cllr Daniel Wilton, Cabinet Member for Communities.

Quick facts

• Location: Savile Park, Whitwood, Castleford (Lumley Street wall)
• Artist: Tony Wade
• Made of: 18 aluminium panels (4ft x 8ft each)
• Extras: Butterfly murals on the park gate
• Date unveiled: 23 July 2025
• Created with input from: Local schools, clubs, and community groups
• Funded by: Local Capital Grants + West Yorkshire Combined Authority + Arts Council England

Want to see it?

You don’t need a gallery ticket. Just pop down to Savile Park and take a walk along Lumley Street. Bring your mates. Or your gran. Or your dog. It’s art, but the kind that doesn’t ask you to “interpret” anything, it just wants you to smile and maybe feel a bit more connected to the place you live.

More info and photos: Experience Wakefield