Alfresco with Mr. Scruff

The reason we had to drive back from Upfest the same day, was because we had another event on the day after.  Alfresco featuring Mr Scruff. 

The Homegrown Collective were gathering momentum and this event was a chance to show off our painting skills and also try and sell some of our work.

I've been involved with Alfresco for a few years now, as I've known it's creator Mark 'Chinny' Davis since he ran Blue nightclub way back in 2003 and he's been kind enough to give me my own stall every year.  An event aimed at entertaining kids whilst their mums n dads relax in the sun and listen to good music, Alfresco has been getting bigger every year. 

The weather this May bank holiday was incredible, we couldn't have asked for any better and the Homegrown boys were in high spirits after painting at Upfest.

(it wasn't a full crew for Alfresco- it was myself, Catch-22, He Dreamt Mars and our man from Bangladesh, Raki )

It was an early start to get all set up and there was lots to do. We were still chuckling from the hilarity of the coach journey home the night before, but we all mucked in and got our stall set up eventually. 

Chinny had kindly treated us to a huge new banner, designed by myself and printed by James Hunter, our design liaison in Leeds. 

We all said we felt legit having a big banner featuring the artwork of myself, Catch-22, HDM and Lowdown (the core members of the collective) and our stall was housed under a  tent to protect our wares from the sun. 

We'd stuck to selling small items, like painted vinyl and spray cans, t shirts and small canvases.  I also had a painted skateboard and Raki had made some one off screen prints.

It was unfortunate that we were situated toward the back of the field, a lot of people didn't realise we were there, but we were having a good time painting and the music was drifting over to us beautifully, courtesy of the Funktion One sound system.  

We didn't sell much this time, but had plenty of interest.  It was mostly kids and teenagers that came over and didn't have much money to spend but we didn't let it bother us too much.  I got to see some old friends and mix them with new ones, good vibes all round!

I didn't take as many pictures as I have done in the past and didn't really get into the thick of it all this year.  We've all started to feel more serious about our art and are trying to push it all the time, so we kind of stuck to our patch and cracked on with what we came to do.  The sun was glorious and shone down on our area all day long. 

Groups of my friends came over to watch us paint and chat and it was good for them to meet the Homegrown boys who are fast becoming firm friends themselves. 

Catch-22 had asked for a 5 ft board to accommodate his design, but on the day was left with a huge board.  He rose to the challenge however and adapted his design and cracked out another awesome piece using stencil and masking techniques he is fast becoming known for.

Painting next to us and with a stall of their own was Ian 'Ejectos' Wood and his team.  Ian has just started his own clothing label and they had some seriously good jumpers and t shirts on sale and the piece they threw up was awesome. Super bright colours and bold letters and featured his devilish little character. 

He Dreamt Mars and myself teamed up again to collab on a huge board.  This is only our second outing as a duo and have been getting amazing feedback already.  Fuelled by this and the blazing sunshine and summer vibes, we cracked on with a piece we are very happy with, mixing Mars' planets and Angel characters with my techy, pointy city scapes and our combined love of all things cosmic! 

The highlight for me was when Mars turned to me and said "Are you ready for the blimp?!" and a few moments later I looked up to see he had turned one of his famous pink planets into a hot air balloon type craft, carrying two of his angel characters! Inspired! 

All the music all day was excellent and the headline act Mr Scruff was on amazing form, accompanied by the legendary MC Kwasi, who was the icing on the cake for a lot of people I think! 

Massive respect to Chinny and all the artists, musicians and everyone else who got involved and helped out to make it the biggest and best Alfresco yet. 

A great family day out and another reason why Blackpool is gaining more exposure as a cultured town. 

Watch this space for the next Alfresco event, carnival style in September

and more from the Homegrown Collective when they team up to paint a giant wooden cube at the much anticipated Sand Sea & Spray event in a couple of weeks.