Barrow Does Comics: A New Celebration of Creativity in Cumbria
The Lakes International Comic Art Festival, working in partnership with Barrow Business Improvement District, is excited to announce Barrow Does Comics on Saturday, 18th April 2026. A new event aimed at young comic fans and creators, particularly 16 to 25-year-olds.
In attendance at the event will be the team from Liverpool-based Comics Youth. They are currently running a year-long programme to encourage young comic creators. This includes online masterclasses by top British comic creators.
LICAF and Barrow BID announced their partnership for this new youth-focused comic event last year. The event celebrates comics, art and all things creative. It will showcase the work of talented local artists, as well as bringing a range of UK and international comic creators to Barrow.
The new event is part of LICAF's bold plans as the UK Development Agency for Comics, which is based in Barrow. It's backed by both the Government and the private sector, which have committed to investing in the programme. It's supported by Arts Council England, Westmorland and Furness Council, Barrow Town Council and businesses that are part of Barrow BID.
Barrow BID is a not-for-profit organisation established in September 2016. It aims to create a business community to promote and regenerate Barrow's Town Centre. The scheme is funded by local town centre businesses.
LICAF has created a Youth Production Team. It aims to encourage younger members of the Furness community to share their opinions and help shape the event.
Barrow Does Comics is part of LICAF's year-round international comic art program. Its overarching theme is "Comics Can Change the World." LICAF also supports the National Year of Reading 2026.
Away from Barrow, LICAF's main festival will return to Kendal, Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th October 2026. Since 2022, it has been hosted in Bowness-on-Windermere.
The returning Festival and Barrow Does Comics will run alongside ongoing projects. These projects explore how comics can enhance literacy, health, and well-being. This includes work at HMP Haverigg, which was piloted last year.
Look out for more Barrow Does Comics news on the LICAF Facebook Page.
Follow Barrow Does Comics on Instagram @barrowdoescomics.
