THE public is making its mark on graffiti artist Banksy’s first British exhibition in three years as a whole street has been transformed into an art exhibition.

The Cans Festival, a three-day street party of stencil art, kicks off yesterday in an old tunnel formerly used by taxis, which was vacated when Eurostar left its Waterloo terminal in London.

Artists from as far afield as Brazil, Canada and Australia are also taking part.

Huge installations include smashed up cars, a CCTV camera-laden tree, an ice cream van, a cut-out of the Queen, and statues as well as artwork on the walls.

Boris Johnson also features in murals by a Dutch artist named Hugo Kaagman.

In one piece - We Need Change - the politician’s face appears by a picture of a Smurf.

From today the public can add to the exhibition with their own stencilling.

Banksy said: “Graffiti doesn’t always spoil buildings, in fact it’s the only way to improve a lot of them.

The exhibition takes place in Leake Street, near Waterloo Station.