A giant bee has landed in Monton to celebrate the buzz of the up and coming village.

The two storey high piece of street art on Lansdowne Road was the idea of Monton Village Community Association (MVCA) where residents and businesses come together to promote and enhance the village.

MVCA has already launched a Monton loyalty card offering discounts in local shops, and runs the popular Monton Festival and Christmas lights switch on and the bee is part of a project to bring street art to the village with more art planned for shop shutters.

It shows a giant bee – now nicknamed Monty by local residents – with the words ‘amongst our bustle there’s always a buzz.’

Jan Phelan, Deputy Chair of MVCA said: “Street art always gets people talking and really adds impact to an area. Monton is buzzing with new bars, restaurants and visitors and this has grown over the two years we have been planning this art project.

“We chose the bee idea from the start because bees are sociable as well as hard working and thought that captured the hive of activity that is Monton. Playfoots bar, which is in the building where the bee has landed also have a bee as part of their logo.

“Obviously the bee symbol has become even more important recently, given the events at Manchester Arena so our Monton bee can also stand in tribute to everyone affected by that dreadful attack.”

Local poet Jenny Berry helped design the artwork while Eccles Community Committee, MVCA and Playfoots bar and cafe provided funding for the £2,500 work by artist Sumit Sakark. Sumit, who studied Fine Art at Manchester Metropolitan Universit and describes himself as a digital and analogue painter and sculptor and graffiti artist, said: “I really enjoyed painting in Monton. Everyone was super friendly.”

Beth Playfoot owner of Playfoots said: “We’re proud to be involved in this project. It’s very exciting that local business owners and communities can collaborate with artists and poets to create something really positive for everyone to enjoy.

“Bees and the bee symbol have always been prominent in the Playfoot’s Cafe and Bar culture ever since we served our first coffee in 2010. The bee also very much symbolises the progressive, industrious and hard working attitude of the people of Monton and Salford.”

Councillor Paul Longshaw, lead member for housing and neighbourhoods, added: “I feel that any form of art is always good for the soul and it’s great to see such great collaboration from this creative community. I’m sure this will be a big draw for Monton and make it even more bustling.”

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