Group hopes David Bowie mural turns Peterborough into tourist hotspot
Two local artists helped create the artwork in honour of the musician
A business group hopes a new mural of David Bowie can turn heads in Peterborough and help draw more visitors to the city.
Created by local artists Nathan Murdoch and Tony Nero, the artwork shows the iconic musician in a colourful style to recognise a performance he led in Peterborough.
It's been painted over a wall that was covered in rude graffiti, after attempts to clean it up failed.
"It's a great way to bring art to the city centre to attract visitors and a make a wall that was plagued by graffiti, now a piece of art, Pep Cipriano, chief operating officer at Peterborough Positive which commissioned the artwork, said.
"Music has always been an important part of the city’s identity, and by using an instantly recognisable figure such as David Bowie, this artwork creates intrigue while helping to tell the story of Peterborough’s rich entertainment history."
Bowie's one and only time performing in Peterborough was at the Palais on Wentworth Street in March 1966 with his short-lived band, The Buzz.
The Palais was one of the city's live music venues during the 1960s, welcoming some of the most famous acts from that era including The Who and The Hollies.
In fact, Bowie's appearance came early on his career as he performed in front of crowds who could enter for just 25p a ticket.
What was once a 2,000-capacity venue later became a bingo hall, before turning into a car park.
“Peterborough has a fantastic musical heritage, with venues past and present playing host to incredible talent and unforgettable performances over the years," Pep added.
"I've already had a couple from Coventry who've emailed us and said 'we've not been to Peterborough before, we're massive David Bowie fans, we want to spend a night, can you recommend a hotel, somewhere to eat?' That's exactly what we want."