Latest news with #NathanWyburn

South Wales Argus
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Giant Oasis tribute artwork to be unveiled in Cardiff
The 13-foot-tall portrait made entirely of bucket hats will be unveiled at St David's Cardiff on June 28, celebrating the opening of Oasis' '25 Reunion Tour in the city on July 4. Created by Welsh artist Nathan Wyburn, the monochrome artwork features Liam and Noel Gallagher in their mid-90s prime and has been dubbed 'The Wonder Wall.' Helen Morgan, centre director at St David's Cardiff, said: "We're excited to be a part of the city where the Oasis '25 Reunion Tour officially begins. "If kickstarting the tour in Cardiff isn't a seal of approval, we don't know what is. "To show our appreciation, we're unveiling The Wonder Wall with what we hope will be an iconic bucket-hat portrait of Noel and Liam. "Some might say it's just a load of bucket hats, but we think it's definitely, maybe, the best use of buckets hats ever." The portrait took four days to construct and spans nearly 20 feet wide. It will be displayed on the upper level of St David's Eastside dining quarter, which will be temporarily renamed 'The Wonder Wall' in honour of the tribute. The unveiling event will include a play-to-win 'Supersonic Spinner,' Gallagher-themed giveaways, and a Britpop soundtrack to get fans in the mood ahead of the tour's opening weekend. The Wonder Wall will remain on display until after the Oasis gigs, during regular centre opening hours. The Oasis '25 Reunion Tour marks the band's first time performing together in more than a decade, and the Cardiff show is expected to draw fans from across the UK and beyond. Oasis rose to fame in the 1990s with hits like Wonderwall, Don't Look Back in Anger and Champagne Supernova, becoming one of the defining bands of the Britpop era. Ms Morgan said the tribute is a fitting way to celebrate the band's legacy and their connection to the city. She said: "We wanted to do something special that fans would remember. "We hope The Wonder Wall will become a must-see for visitors and a great way to kick off the summer."

South Wales Argus
a day ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Ebbw Vale's Nathan Wyburn honoured by Blaenau Gwent Council
Nathan Wyburn, originally from Ebbw Vale in Blaenau Gwent, was presented with a Special Recognition Award by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council for his contributions to equality, mental health, and LGBTQ+ rights. He also helped to hold a Pride event in Blaenau Gwent. Councillor Chris Smith, the council's equality member champion and presiding member, said: "With Nathan's connections, hard work and all-round enthusiasm, we were able to deliver a truly memorable event that was a landmark moment—fostering a sense of unity, respect and joy among both allies and LGBTQ+ individuals." Mr Wyburn first gained national attention on Britain's Got Talent in 2011 with his Marmite-on-toast portrait of Simon Cowell. Since then, he has continued to create thought-provoking artwork using unusual materials such as ketchup, glitter, tea, feathers, and sweets. He said: "I'm honoured to receive this recognition. "I'm incredibly proud to have been brought up in this area and I really feel it gave me a strong basis for who I've become as a person and an artist. "I endeavour to continue my artwork and advocacy going forward and always hope to receive the call to come home and help with future projects and initiatives in the area. "Thank you." Mr Wyburn played a key role in organising Blaenau Gwent's inaugural Pride event, which included curating the artist line-up, opening the event, and co-compering with fellow advocate Wayne Courtney. His "Gay Icons" exhibition was also featured at the celebration. Despite his international success, Mr Wyburn remains deeply connected to his hometown, often leading community art projects and school sessions. His commitment to both art and advocacy continues to inspire people across Blaenau Gwent and beyond.


BBC News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Oasis mural made of bucket hats unveiled in Cardiff
A portrait of Liam and Noel Gallagher made from 3,000 black and white bucket hats has been unveiled in Cardiff as the city prepares to host the first Oasis gig in nearly 16 years. Artist Nathan Wyburn, 35, said he was "proud" the brothers chose Wales to kick off their long-awaited reunion. The 16ft (4.9m) mural was unveiled on Saturday during a "pre-gig party" at the St David's shopping centre. "They offered to send me 3,000 bucket hats, an offer I could not refuse, and I have now turned them into Liam and Noel Gallagher," Wyburn said. The artist is known for using unconventional materials or everyday objects to create his said when people think of Oasis "they probably think of the sunglasses and the bucket hats, so it just seemed incredibly obvious to me that it had to be made with bucket hats". It took Wyburn five days to create the portrait in his studio, which is a converted church. He first drew the brothers on a eight fireproof boards, then began the gruelling process of stapling bucket hats into just the right places. "My hand is in a lot of pain right now because I don't know how many times I shot that staple gun," he said. Most of the hats are intact, but a few were cut up to create finer details. From his studio, the mural was shipped to St David's in eight sections the evening before the unveiling."[It's] split right down the middle in case we need to separate Liam and Noel," he laughed. But is Wyburn a fan of the band? "I like their ballads, Wonderwall and Don't Look Back in Anger, but I wouldn't say I particularly followed their career," said Wyburn, who is originally from Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent. As an artist he said he said it was his job to "document things as they happen"."The fact that one of the biggest duos in history are getting back together, I feel like it's my duty as an artist to create something for that."His creation, dubbed the Wonder Wall, will remain in place until after Oasis play the Principality Stadium on 4 and 5 July.