Calling All Artists: Mural Competition Resurrected in Bristol for National Album Day

30 July 2025 - Press release

Brushes at the ready. As part of National Album Day 2025, a new mural competition invites emerging creatives to design a piece that captures the spirit of rock in all its forms.

If you're over 18, based in the UK, and can channel the energy, diversity, and attitude of rock music into a bold wall design - this is your stage.

The winning design will be transformed into a large-scale mural on the side of The Gryphon, one of Bristol’s most iconic rock venues, in affiliation with Black City Records.

"It's an honour to be chosen to represent National Album Day by being hosts for a mural in honour of the day. Between ourselves and The Gryphon pub we have become known as the Bristol Metal Quarter, and with the mural present on the side of Bristol's iconic metal bar, we can truly represent rock's place in this truly musical city."
David Savage, Black City Records

While The Gryphon is known for its metal roots, rock takes many forms - from punk to psych, indie to glam - and National Album Day is celebrating the full spectrum.

The mural will be brought to life by artist Seán Whelan with the winning artist credited and featured across all National Album Day channels.

The winner will also receive:

• A £500 cash prize

• Promotion via National Album Day’s press and social media

• The chance to be featured in related media opportunities

How to Enter:

1. Submit your original mural design, inspired by ‘Rock’, on Instagram, Facebook, or X by tagging @AlbumDayUK

2. Complete the Google Form with contact info, social media handles and a supporting statement.

Deadline: Saturday 20th September 2025

All mediums welcome, but entries must be hand-paintable and not AI-generated.

This isn’t the first time murals have marked National Album Day. Back in 2022, two pieces were unveiled in Edinburgh and Liverpool, featuring reimagined debut album artwork by local artists at renowned independent record stores: Avalanche Records and 81 Renshaw. And now, National Album Day is bringing it back - with a whole lotta love for rock!