It’s almost time for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival 2021 – once again a physical event, in Kendal – and the LICAF podcast team have a brilliant preview of the upcoming comics gathering of comic creators and fans, taking place Friday 15th – Sunday 17th October. Not long to go, now!

Nicole Bates, Pete Taylor, Mike Williams and Ian Loxam explore this year’s lively event programme, enthuse about Dave McKean‘s haunting Festival art, and discuss what they are excited about – and suggest some of the events that must not be missed!

Top picks include the Comics Up Close event on Friday – a more academic-oriented session taking a closer look at the comics form, which you can take part in, if you have a weekend pass; the “Balloon Debate” on Friday night, with various cartoon characters trying their best to be the sole survivor of impending disaster in a silly opening event; and there’s delighted enthusiasm for the Little LICAF events for children, largely taking place in the Shakespeare Centre.

The team are also looking forward to the Live Draws this year, and other things too… but listen to the Podcast and find out just what they are!

“I just love the Live Draws,” enthuses Ian Loxam. “They are what make the Festival, because you just can’t see it anywhere else.”

If you’re in Kendal before the Festival, you’ll be pleased to hear the Windows Trail is back – and podcast co-host and ace artist Nicole Bates has taken over coffee shop Brew Brothers with a sideways take on this year’s Trail theme, “Heroes and Heroines“, with some lovely watercolour artworks honouring pets, and how they helped so many people through the darkest times of the COVID-19 lockdowns.

“It’s a look at how your pet is your comfort blanket, really, she explains, “and helps us face the world.”

Also featured is news of the newly-launched Dice & Bolter Tabletop Gaming Club, set up by Mike and Ian. A gaming club run by gamers for gamers, they operate once a week from the beautiful South Lakes village of Levans, near Kendal. Further information for that can be found at diceandbolter.Wordpress.com.

• Check out the Lakes International Comic Art Festival Podcast Episode 98 here

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• The Lakes International Comic Art Festival – back 15th to 17th October 2021 – is online at: www.comicartfestival.com

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Regular contributors to the Lakes International Comic Art Festival Podcast include Pete Taylor and Mike Williams

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “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: British Comics, Comics, downthetubes News, Events

Tags: downthetubes News, Ian Loxam, Lakes International Comic Art Festival, Lakes International Comic Art Festival Podcast, Mike Williams, Nicole Bates, Pete Taylor