Celebrating the best of international comics at the Lakeland Festival

Top artists, writers and comic book creators are heading to Cumbria for a spectacular family festival next month.

The Lakes International Comic Art Festival promises to be a treat for comic book junkies, newcomers to the comic book world, or those who simply love exceptional art and storytelling.

Held at the Brewery Arts Center in Kendal from October 15-17, the festival features a diverse international lineup of guests from the UK, Europe, US, Africa, China, Philippines and more.

The program features live drawings, creative workshops, a comic marketplace, debates, cartoonists, satire, exhibitions and some of the most amazing comic artists from around the world.

Festival Director Julie Tait said: “We are delighted to be back in Kendal with an incredible roster of guests, exhibits, events and workshops.

“This year we’re focusing on the role comics can play in answering and interpreting some of the biggest issues of our time.

“The festival presents new works to a global audience addressing issues such as the climate crisis, deforestation, the human impact of the one-child policy in China and the Putin dictatorship in Russia.

“Comics remain a powerful force for change and we are delighted to celebrate their global significance at the festival this year. “

Highlights of the festival this year include a connection to the National Cartoonists’ Society Festival in New York City, where guests playing their favorite cartoon character will square off in a balloon debate.

Meanwhile, Chinese comic book creator Wang Ning will join the festival from Beijing and lead the global launch of his My Only Child anthology.

There will also be a number of Creative Workshops for the next generation of comic book artists to learn their craft, from stop-frame animation and drawing to the use of humor.

The festival takes place at venues across Kendal, with details available at www.comicartfestival.com