Lakes International Comic Art Festival gearing up for the weekend
Comic book fans, artists, writers and creators from all over the world gather in Kendal for The Lakes International Comic Festival starting Friday.
The three-day event is expected to showcase the best of the comic book world.
From big names to emerging talents, the festival brings to Kendal a diverse mix of comedic art styles, storytelling and exceptional creativity.
The festival features live drawing, creative workshops, a comic marketplace, debates, cartoonists, satire, exhibitions, exclusive dedications and some of the most amazing comic artists from around the world. .
The festival features a diverse international lineup of guests from the UK, Europe, USA, Africa, China, the Philippines and more. Majority of guests will join us in Kendal with some guests, due to travel restrictions will join us via live broadcast.
This year the festival examines how comics can change the world by tackling some of the biggest issues of our time. The festival will feature comics responding to climate change, the role of comics in improving educational outcomes, how comics can be used to promote health messages and the power of political cartoons.
Julie Tait, Festival Director said: “We are delighted to be back in Kendal to celebrate the wonderful world of comics! This year we have comics that truly innovate, reach new audiences, and tackle the biggest issues of our time.
“There will be debates, live prints, creative workshops, exhibitions, a comic strip trail and activities for the whole family. We look forward to welcoming all of our guests and visitors to Kendal for a Comic Book Celebration Weekend.
Highlights of the festival include:
Battle of the Toons
The Friday night opening gala is live from Kendal and New York City.
The festival collaborates with the National Cartoonists’ Society Festival, with a balloon debate featuring eight guests, each playing their own comic book character. At the end of the night, only one will survive, and it depends on how they plead their case to our audience.
Cartoon clock tower – market
A comic market returns to Kendal with programming reflecting the wide range of mainstream and independent talent working in the comic book community across the UK. The free comic book clock tower takes over Kendal Town Hall for the festival weekend.
Comics up close
Leading international academics, comic book creators and advocates around the world explore how comics are at the forefront of social change. Guests will present projects from all over Europe and demonstrate the positive impact that comics can have.
Martin Rowson Exhibition: What a Fur Cup, Cross Lane Projects
Martin Rowson is an award-winning cartoonist, illustrator, writer, graphic novelist, animator, doter and poet.
For nearly 40 years, Martin Rowson has been the bane of the political establishment, focusing his unmoved eye and slanderous mind on those in power. What a Fur Cup will feature some of Rowson’s most powerful cartoons, cartoons and political comics and present an entertaining journey through the past forty years of politics and stardom.
Little LICAF – for young comic book fans
Little LICAF will be hosting both physical and online activities for young comic book fans and budding creators. Comic book artists Sayra Begum, Neill Cameron, Hannah Eaton and Marc Jackson will host free workshops by reservation on Saturdays and Sundays.
In conversation with Dave McKean
Dave McKean, one of the world’s most respected comic book creators, discusses the new Raptor graphic novel and future plans with Paul Gravett at noon on Saturday.
The art of creation
On Saturday, four prominent European guests at work – Manuele Fior (Italy), Jul Maroh (France), Boulet (France) and Lucie Lomová (Czech Republic).
Creative workshops
From frame-to-frame animation and drawing, the workshops are hands-on and brought to you by leading artists working in the comic book industry.
The festival takes place at venues across the Brewery Arts Center and across the town of Kendal. Please check online for location details and accessibility tips for our sites.
Tickets are on sale now for this physical event on the festival website at www.comicartfestival.com
