Holmes Chapel near Sandbach has a new dedication to the pop icon, Harry Styles, who lived and grew up in the village before embarking on his route to stardom.

A village railway station unveiled a mural to show their love of their most famous former resident who started his journey to the X-Factor auditions from none other than Holmes Chapel station.

And Sandbach artist, Victoria Holland, helped create the giant mural which also features Twemlow Viaduct where Harry's rumoured to have had his first kiss, was there to see the work unveiled.

The stunning tribute to the village's most famous past resident, has been created by local artists Eamonn Murphy and Victoria Holland.

The mural at Holmes Chapel station. (Photo: Nub News)

"I'm a big Harry Styles fan and love his music. I was delighted to be asked to contribute," said Victoria of Victoria's Art Studio whose work is seen all over Sandbach and other towns.

Victoria Holland with the mural she helped creare. (Photo: Nub News)

For the project she learnt Vector art which is used by the other collaborator, Eamonn Murphy.

"This mural was a collaboration between myself and artist Eamonn Murphy. Eamonn created the background to the Harry I digitally drew as a vector. Vector art is completely new to me," said Victoria.

Around 10,000 Styles fans – known as Harries – have visited the Holmes Chapel in the past two years since a map to take fans safely round the route, added last year by the launch of 'Harry's Home Village Tours'..

Murphy, known for his previous work on stations along the Crewe to Manchester line, and Holland, a talented mural artist, have combined their skills to create an eye-catching installation that is sure to captivate both residents and visitors alike.

Sandbach Nub News Editor, Deborah Bowyer next to Harry's mural. (Photo: Nub News)

"We are delighted to unveil this artwork which is a wonderful addition to our village," commented Peter Whiers, Chair of Holmes Chapel Partnership.

"Eamonn and Victoria are both incredibly talented local artists and we are thrilled with how they have brought our vision for this mural to life.

"This new installation not only honours Harry Styles and the impact his global success has had on our community but also enhances the station and creates a colourful new welcome to our village."

He added: "It's now just over two years since we first produced a map to guide Harry Styles fans around the village and provide a safe walking route to Twemlow Viaduct.

"Back in May 2024 we started Harry's Home Village Tours and delivered over 40 guided tours through to September. Over the year we reached a global market of over 1.9 billion people."

Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern railway, added: "Artwork that pays tribute to a local area or in this case, a very famous former resident is always a welcome addition to a station.

"The new artwork adds to the station's personality and charm and will no doubt prove very popular with Harry Styles fans visiting the village."

The new station artwork was funded by a grant from the Cross Rail Community Engagement Fund, as a result of Community Rail group successful application, together with a contribution from the recently closed HC3 Community Cinema. 

Alongside the ongoing work by Friends of Holmes Chapel Station to brighten up the station, the new artwork will provide a welcome first impression for locals who travel regularly and the many visitors from across the globe.

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