A FIRE engine became the canvas for Mancunian street artists to spread the word about a safety campaign.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s (GMFRS) parade pump was painted at the Manchester Art Battle on Friday (Oct 14) as part of this year’s Bonfire Night and Halloween safety campaign Treacle.

Jay Sharples and Nick Hamilton, also known as Hammo, are known for their work painting murals on building across Manchester’s Northern Quarter.The artists painted a different message on each side of the parade pump – one wishing people happy Halloween and another asking people to stay safe on Bonfire Night.

The parade pump will be driving around Greater Manchester and at events throughout the autumn, with the artwork on display to highlight the partnership campaign.

The new paintjob was completed at GMFRS’ former home, London Road Fire Station, while artists from across the North West fought it out in the art battle.

Ten artists were given 30 minutes to create a masterpiece with the audience voting for their favourites. All the canvasses created were auctioned off for the Wood Street Mission, a charity supporting homeless people in Manchester.  

John Macaulay, who organised the event, said: “It was a massive honour to do the eighth Art Battle Manchester at the beautiful London Road Fire Station.

“It’s been derelict for almost 30 years and Mancunians have a lot of love for this beautiful and historic building. There was a real energy about the art battle event and when people walked through the front door and saw an actual fire engine getting sprayed up by graffiti artists, we knew we were onto a winner! Thanks to GMFRS for letting us loose on their kit.”

Councillor David Acton, Chair of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, added: “Jay and Nick did a fantastic job painting our parade pump.

“Manchester has a fantastic art scene and it’s great to get involved with in this way – especially in a building as iconic and significant for us like London Road Fire Station.I’m sure the seasonal messages and characters on the side of the pump will cheer everyone up who sees them at events for Halloween and Bonfire Night throughout the autumn.”

To see more of the artist’s work visit @jaysharplesart and @thehammo on Instagram.

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