This weekend, the annual Lakes International Comic Art Festival returns to Cumbria. But in a change to previous years, it’s heading to the lakeside location of Bowness-on-Windermere. What hasn’t changed though, is the wealth of creators, artists and writers helping to deliver the eclectic programme of interesting and fun events. And there’s no better time to visit, as the festival celebrates its ten-year anniversary.
What can you expect from LICAF 2022? Well, the festival is promoting its new mission that Comics can Change the World. So, you can expect big things. There’s a full roster of guests, including cartoonists, film artists, authors and comedians. And events range from talks and signings to workshops and exhibitions. As ever, there’s a marketplace full of stalls with comic art and books, along with a host of authors and artists. And festival guests include international artists including Alison Bechdel, Andrea Settimo, Bill Morrison, Charlie Adlard, Dimitris Anastasiou, Jaime Hernandez and Kalle Hakkola.
Quirky events and topical comic art
Plus, there’s plenty of quirky stuff going on. There’s comic art sessions in a sauna and crazy golf with cartoon characters. A VR zone to experience comic art in a different way and there’s a chance to see and participate in quick-fire live drawing from a bunch of cartoonists.
There are topical events including Ten Years to Save the World, an exhibition on comic art’s role in taking action on climate change. And a large mural by multi-media artist Mehdi Annassi, aka Machima, highlights the plight of the Artic Charr. A fish that is found in Windermere but is suffering due to rising pollution.
As usual, there’s plenty for young and old to do. For adults, there’s Spooky Lukey’s Halloween Spooktacular featuring live DJ sets and special guests, and late-night festival karaoke. And for the younger comic art fans there’s Little LICAF events including drawing challenges, workshops and badge-making sessions. While the Welsby Trail will keep adults and kids entertained, looking for the charming felt characters created by world-renowned duo Jonathan Edwards and Louise Evans, around Bowness.
Like visiting unusual festivals in the UK? Head this way for more inspiration.
When: 14th – 16th October 2022
Where: At venues and locations around Bowness-on-Windermere in Cumbria, including the Windermere Jetty Museum and Old Laundry Theatre
£: There’s a mix of free and ticketed events. Festival day and weekend passes are available and are priced from £5 to £25.
More info: www.comicartfestival.com