Festival inspiresthe Red Sails steps

In a bid to improve the appearance of the steps between the Ulster Bank and Morelli’s buildings in Portstewart, representatives joined forces to provide a new appearance with some street art inspired by the Red Sails Festival.

The festival inspired local artist and retired professor, Harry McMahon to come up with the idea to decorate the steps in Portstewart with a form of street art.

Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor George Duddy said, “Street art is a growing trend throughout Europe. Harry thought these steps would be perfect and so began the cleanup and painting, inspired by the Red Sails Festival and Jimmy Kennedy’s ‘Red Sails in the Sunset’ song.

“The steps were painted by Harry McMahon and Firsty North Coast’s Coleraine based artists, Keith Stynes, Isobel Kerr, Ashley Coulter and Theresa McCann. “

Harry said: “We are hoping this isn’t the last time we can do this in the area and hope we can continue our work in the future as it has been extremely popular with locals and tourists.”