In front of the striking Gansey Girl mural in Bridlington’s Old Town are, from left, artist Sam Porter, Angela Merrills (local growth coordinator at East Riding of Yorkshire Council), and Fiona Turner (project coordinator at the council). 

Wednesday 29th April 2026

By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor

Two large, colourful murals celebrating Bridlington’s heritage and wildlife have transformed buildings in the Old Town and on the harbour as part of a £125,000 regeneration project led by East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

The artworks, created by Harrogate‑based mural artist Sam Porter of Mural Minded, depict scenes inspired by local history and ideas put forward by residents. One mural on Prince Street, overlooking the harbour, shows a dramatic ship caught in the Great Gale of 1871, surrounded by gannets, a puffin and a lobster. The second, on High Street in the Old Town, features the Gansey Girl – a tribute to the fishermen’s wives of the past – alongside the Priory Church, a jackdaw and a swallow.

Even before the murals were finished, they were already attracting attention. Visitors have travelled from outside the region to see them, including one person who made a 100‑mile trip from Oldham after spotting the artwork on social media. Local schoolchildren have also visited the sites to meet the artist and learn about the project.

Councillor Anne Handley, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said the murals were “a real celebration of Bridlington’s history, heritage and local stories,” adding that the attention they have generated is “fantastic” for the town.

Porter, who spent around four weeks on each piece, said the public response had been “massively positive”, with people stopping to watch him work and posting about the murals “almost daily”.

The murals form part of wider improvements to Westgate Park and Harbour Road, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. At Westgate Park, a new footpath and seating have been installed to make the area more welcoming, with lighting and CCTV to follow in partnership with Bridlington Town Council. Along Harbour Road, new benches now give visitors a place to sit and enjoy views of the historic fishing port – and the new harbour mural.

The council says the upgrades are designed to make both areas more inviting for residents and visitors, while helping to reduce anti‑social behaviour and encourage people to spend more time in the town.