Drake Circus brings Plymouth's creativity to life 'City Layers' cultural celebration

13th October 2025

Drake Circus shopping centre will be transformed into a hub of art, poetry and play on Saturday 18 October with City Layers, a one-day cultural celebration showcasing some of the very best of Plymouth’s creativity.

At the heart of the event are four creative experiences, offering something for all ages:

• Live art creation by Plymouth-based artist Jon Lilly – known for his bold, layered spray-paint style, Jon will produce a striking 2m x 1m canvas live in-centre in the Upper Mall, giving shoppers the chance to see his process unfold in real time. Once complete, the finished piece will remain on display in Drake Circus. Jon was selected through an open call to local artists for this paid commission.
• ‘Colossal’ printmaking workshops with acclaimed printmaker Sue Lewry – Sue will bring her hands-on mobile screen print studio to the centre, running free drop-in printmaking sessions for shoppers at the Cornwall Street entrance from 10am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 4pm (5 sessions). Part workshop, part performance, visitors of all ages can roll up their sleeves and create colourful city-themed works of art to take home.
• The creative energy will spill into Wild Things, where younger children can join a special family-friendly City Layers activity of their own. Using Plymouth-inspired stencils and paints, little ones will make colourful prints to be displayed in a ‘Toddlers’ Gallery’ inside Wild Things.
• Throughout the day, poetry by local writers will be showcased on Drake Circus’ digital screens and social media, celebrating Plymouth’s voices with words that explore the city’s people, places and identity.

Greg Lumley, Centre Director at Drake Circus, said: "City Layers is about celebrating the many creative voices that make Plymouth unique. With Jon Lilly and Sue Lewry leading the way, and contributions from local poets and children too, we want to give visitors something unexpected and inspiring. This is a chance to watch, create and get involved – and to feel connected to Plymouth's creative spirit.