City Layers culture project captures Plymouth’s creativity

21st October 2025

Thousands of visitors experienced an array of artistic activities in the heart of the city centre this weekend. The City Layers project – a celebration of Plymouth’s art and culture – took place at Drake Circus on Saturday 18 October. 

Shoppers watched in wonder as Plymouth spray-paint artist Jon Lilly created a live piece of art throughout the day. Sketching then spraying onto a super-size canvas, Jon developed a piece of art that captures a variety of local landmarks, from Smeaton’s Tower and Home Park, to Dance Academy and the Tamar Bridge. 

Eagle-eyed viewers may have spotted letters spelling ‘Plymouth’ woven into the shapes of his design. Jon’s artwork was completed by the end of the day, and is set to be displayed on the first floor of Drake Circus (between Next and Wild Things) as an installation for countless more visitors to enjoy.

Local artist, Sue Lewry, pulled in curious creatives to make a Plymouth themed print for free. Her colourful printing press – a magnificent machine known as Colossal – captured the attention of people of all ages, who got hands-on and had a go. They had the chance to print their very own neon Smeaton’s Tower or quintessentially Plymothian ‘GEDDON’ graphic slogan – taking the prints home as a memento.

For younger budding artists, play centre Wild Things had a free art station and toddlers’ gallery set up for the day. Using Plymouth themed stencils, the centre’s smallest visitors painted with fingers and sponges to produce their very own City Layers masterpieces, creating a colourful gallery of artwork to display or take home. 

Reflecting on the day, Greg Lumley, Drake Circus Centre Director, said: “The City Layers event was a real celebration of the creative talent that makes Plymouth special. The best surprise was that it unlocked creativity in those who least expected it, and gave countless families activities to enjoy together. 

“Visitors took a few moments out of their day to try screen printing for the first time, watch a live art commission take shape, pause to read a poem, and let their little ones unleash their creativity. Both the local community and those visiting Plymouth from further afield embraced the theme and made the most of the experiences on offer.”