Glasgow’s Yardworks Festival marked its 10th anniversary this month.
The milestone edition took place across the weekend of May 2 and 3, transforming SWG3 into a large-scale celebration of graffiti and street art.
Some 4500 visitors attended the two-day event, which featured live painting, installations, workshops and music from 120 artists from around the world.
Widely recognised as one of Europe’s top festivals for urban and graffiti art, Yardworks has stayed true to its grassroots origins while expanding its focus on participation and community engagement.
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Glasgow’s Yardworks Festival marked its 10th anniversary last weekend (Image: Devon Poole)
Visitors of all ages took part in workshops, talks and installations designed to make street art accessible.
The artist line-up featured a strong international presence, including PEACHZZ, .EPOD, ZURIK and WILLIAN, as well as ESKAE and HOACS from the USA and artists from across Europe and Australia.
Scottish and UK talent remained central to the programme, with artists such as KMG and Pizzaboy, Katie Scott, Aroe, Tech Moon and Tizer all contributing.
Organisers introduced a number of new features for 2026, including extended programming beyond the main festival site.
This included the transformation of pillars under the Kingston Bridge as part of the GRID placemaking programme, and ongoing live painting at the Clyde Walkway legal wall.
Glasgow’s Yardworks Festival marked its 10th anniversary last weekend (Image: Devon Poole)
Talks and industry programme explored street art’s role in regeneration, culture and identity, cementing the festival’s importance in wider creative conversations.
A standout addition this year was the inaugural Street Arts Prize, a new award for emerging Scotland-based street artists.
Andrew Leitch, creator of the Street Arts Prize, said: “The loss of my partner in 2024 taught me that life is indeed too short and that we need to celebrate it whilst we are still alive.
“I wanted a living legacy to give back therefore I have committed £5000 to support 5x£1000 prizes for Street Art in Scotland over the next five years.
“This inaugural Street Art Prize will celebrate Scottish artists whose work brings something fresh, personal, and powerful to the street art and graffiti scene and allow for more voices to be heard and seen through their art.
“Why did I do this?
“Because sometimes you just have to do what your heart tells you.”
Glasgow’s Yardworks Festival marked its 10th anniversary last weekend (Image: Devon Poole)
Edinburgh artist KMG won the award and will receive £1000, as well as the chance to create new work as part of the Yardworks programme.
KMG said: “I’m thrilled to have won the street arts prize.
“I’ve been creating work on the streets of Scotland for more than two decades and so it feels very special to have this work recognised and acknowledged with this prize.
“At a time when working as a visual artist in Scotland is incredibly precarious, this prize is a much valued contribution to the stability of my own creative practice and will support me in continuing to afford to develop my work as a single mother working in an increasingly difficult social, political and economical landscape.”
Andrew Leitch, creator of the Street Arts Prize, and winner KMG (Image: Devon Poole)
The festival’s Family Zone returned with spray can upcycling, T-shirt design, and collaborative painting activities, while workshops for all ages encouraged skill development and creative expression.
Attendees also enjoyed street food and refreshments from on-site bars.
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Glasgow’s Yardworks Festival marked its 10th anniversary last weekend (Image: Devon Poole)
Both indoor and outdoor areas were fully accessible and kid-friendly.
The completed murals will remain on display for two weeks and are open for public viewing Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.
Tours and workshops are available for school and community groups during this period via prior booking.
