A TOP urban artist rubbed shoulders with the world’s elite at a festival in the home town of the king of graffiti, Banksy.

The elusive artist whose identity remains somewhat of a mystery is rumoured to have attended the Upfest Urban Paint festival where the world’s top 40 street artists came together to showcase their talents.

Among them was Wickford’s Daniel Kitchen- er who spent four hours creating a vibrant eight-foot high robot mural.

The 33-year-old from Nevendon Road, believes its highly likely Banksy was at the event as it was held in his home town of Bristol.

Mr Kitchener, a former pupil of Billericay School, said: “It’s hard to say for sure as hardly anyone knows what he looks like, but this was a huge urban art event promoted across the world. Seeing as he is the graffiti king and that it was held in his home town, it’s seem unlikely he wouldn’t be there.”

The event attracted artists from across the world. Mr Kitchener added: “Over 40 graffiti and urban artists from the UK, USA and Europe took part in the event, which was in the Tobacco Factory.

“We had large ply boards lining all the walls in the outside yard and mine was 8ft high by 8ft wide. We got to paint our designs in front of a huge crowd of people of all ages which was brilliant. It was a fantastic atmosphere.”

To find out more about Mr Kitchener’s work, visit www.dankitchener.co.uk