Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria has been officially declared the UK’s first Comic Book Town, marking a significant milestone in a year-long initiative led by The Lakes International Comic Arts Foundation (LICAF), also organisers of the annual Lakes international Comic Art Festival in nearby Kendal, returning in October.
Although other towns in the UK have previously championed comics, including Shrewsbury and Macclesfield, this is possibly the first time there has been such coordinated official support for such a scheme, from local arts organisations, the council and business.
Announced just before the Barrow Does Comics festival on Saturday 18th April, the project underscores the potential of comic arts to enhance literacy, creativity, and community involvement.
By making Barrow and Cumbria a centre for comics education, LICAF says the initiative sets the stage for innovative new approaches to reading and learning across the country.
Timed with the 2026 National Year of Reading, the Comic Book Town initiative is especially focused on inspiring children and young people, including those with special educational needs (SEND).
Town flooded with comics: Exciting festival brings the whole community together
To celebrate, Barrow will be ‘flooded’ with comics distributed across the town in public spaces.As part of the project, LICAF is also launching a competition for two Children’s Comics Laureates, promoting the value of comics in building a love of reading.
Supported by the National Literacy Trust, local MP Michelle Scrogham and Westmorland & Furness Council among others, the Comic Book Town project highlights the growing significance of the comic book sector in the UK and its potential to inspire, educate, and open new opportunities for all.
“I am beyond thrilled to have been involved in this initiative and to see Barrow designated as the UK’s first Comic Book Town,” says Michelle Scrogham, who has been actively championing the comics form as a power to both inspire and educate to government ministers, including Culture Minister Ian Murray.
“My love of comic books is well known, and I know how powerful can be in transforming children’s reading, literacy levels, and creativity. But above all they are just a lot of fun!
“Barrow is now emerging as a driving force in the UK’s growing comic book sector, a creative industry with the power to inspire, educate, and generate jobs and new opportunities in our town.”
“Comics can be a tool to unlock a love for reading and enhance literacy skills,” commented Julie Tait, LICAF Founder and Festival Director.
“In collaboration with local schools, our project targets underserved communities, offering engaging new ways for young people to express themselves and learn.”
Councillor Tony Callister, Chair of the Furness Locality Board, said: “It’s fantastic news that Barrow is officially established as the UK’s first Comic Book Town. Furness is a great place to live and this new recognition is fabulous and offers more diversity as to what Barrow has to offer.
“I certainly look forward to the Barrow does Comics Festival on Saturday the 18 April and with the local school engagement programme this is going to be a momentous day for sure. I really look forward to checking out as many comic books as I can. Bring the excitement on!”
Cllr Helen Chaffey, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Communications at Westmorland and Furness Council, said:
“Barrow-in-Furness being recognised as the UK’s first Comic Book Town is a fantastic milestone for our community, and something our residents can all be incredibly proud of. Through my time on the Board of the Lakes International Comic Arts Foundation, I have experienced the passion, creativity and dedication that underpins this work, and I know just how meaningful this initiative is for our town.
“Comics are a powerful and accessible way to inspire a love of reading, particularly for children and young people who may not always see themselves reflected in more traditional forms of literature. This initiative shows how culture and creativity can break down barriers, support literacy, and open up new opportunities for learning and self-expression.
“It is especially fitting that this announcement comes during the National Year of Reading. By embedding comics into our schools, libraries and community spaces, we are not only celebrating a vibrant art form, but also investing in the confidence, imagination and future prospects of our residents.
“I am delighted to support LICAF in this work and look forward to seeing how Barrow inspires other communities across the country.”
Live in Barrow? Want to get involved?
From the beginning of April, comics will gradually appear in many places, some unexpected, across the town of Barrow-in-Furness. LICAF will be listing as many of these places as possible over the coming months on their new LICAF website.
If you are involved in a business, community organisation or venue and would like to receive a mini library of comic to be enjoyed in situ, please use their contact form to get in touch and become part of this exciting Barrow-wide campaign.
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John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: downthetubes News
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