The launch of a very special artwork is taking place at Three Wise Monkeys in Colchester this weekend.

Planet TWM is the work of local artist John Livingstone but it nearly didn’t happen when he was diagnosed with cancer.

“I was halfway through the project,” he tells me, “when I had to down tools and get myself sorted out, but thanks to the amazing NHS and family I have made a full recovery.

“It meant the art work took a lot longer to complete but in a way it means a thousand times more than it would have done to me as its creation is part of my journey to recovery.”

Taking his inspiration from the New York underground street art scene as well as help from local graffiti artist @brewsup, John began the gigantic mural on the top floor of the High Street bar more than a year ago.

John explains: “I had spent a week in New York for my wife’s 30th Birthday soaking up the culture and admiring the vast array of street art and general creative buzz that thrives in the city. One night in the basement bar of Three Wise Monkeys enjoying a few beers we remembered being in a similar basement bar tucked away in NYC that was adorned in cool subway style graffiti. It had such a buzz about the place we thought it was worth approaching the pub owners to see if they wanted to make a mark on their space by brightening it up with a bit of bespoke creativity.”

After chatting with staff and the owners John came up with a concept that was literally out of this world.

But due to the scale of the project and the way in which the concept took form, John quickly realised he needed to incorporate and embrace a new style into his work – graffiti.

With the help of local artist @brewsup John was taught the basics and worked with him on certain elements of the project.

He says: “With his talent and personal style he added a new dimension to the work which also hints to the New York art vibe which inspired me in the first place.

“I hope that in years to come people will still be talking about nights they have had in the space, maybe love stories that began or the first time they saw a band that started their own story.”

To mark the launch of the mural John is bringing back his Rotation Sessions vinyl night that he had run in the town for years, all in aid of Robin Cancer Trust.

With some of the town’s best DJs taking part, it takes place tomorrow, August 25, on the Top Floor from 8pm. For more information call the bar on 01206 543014.