Lakes International Comic Art Festival 2026 Returns to Kendal
The Lakes International Comic Art Festival 2026 returns to Kendal from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th October 2026, promising a vibrant celebration of global comic artistry. After three wonderful years in Bowness-on-Windermere, the festival reclaims its roots. All with a refreshed programme, and expanded international partnerships. Plus, a renewed focus on comics as a force for good.
Since the festival moved to Bowness-on-Windermere in 2022, there have been some significant developments. This includes more international partnerships, a reimagined zone for families and children. Plus, some new and exciting relationships with world-renowned guests. From 2026, it will centre its annual event on the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal. Elements of the event will take place in other venues around the popular market town, including Kendal Town Hall, Cross Lane Projects Gallery, and businesses across the Town.
The annual Festival is just part of a dynamic, year-round programme of international comic art activity. The overarching theme, "Comics Can Change the World", includes a yet-to-be-revealed event for younger comic fans in Barrow in early 2026.
The 2026 Festival will bring top artists and creators to the Lake District. It will explore comics as a force for good and creativity. The festival will showcase UK talent and strengthen international partnerships.
Julie Tait, Festival Director, said: "We're thrilled to return to Kendal, a move that has been welcomed by our partners.
"Hosting a comic art Festival in Bowness-on-Windermere for three years was an incredible opportunity to bring the wonder of comics to new audiences, but we're not known for shaking things up a little – and we have plenty of comic creators at the ready, more than happy to shake up Kendal once more!
"We are already looking forward to welcoming our regular Festival visitors and new audiences to LICAF 2026."
The year-round LICAF 2026 programme of comic art activity
- Continued projects exploring how comics can improve literacy, health and wellbeing, including work at HMP Haverigg and elsewhere.
- Continued work creating online resources to introduce teachers to comics and showcase how to use them in the classroom.
- Supporting the UK Comics Laureate to promote the transformational power of comics to educators, librarians and policy makers, as well as the young people directly.
- Through British Comics Now, providing a range of opportunities for year-round artist residencies and cultural exchanges in the UK and internationally, and further.
- Exploring and celebrating how comics intersect with new and emerging art forms, including digital art, animation, film, gaming, virtual reality and augmented reality.
- Continuing to offer an annual Festival programme in October that features a wide range of British and international guests with an eye on the eclectic, exciting and entertaining, alongside workshops for aspiring creators, children's events and much more.
- The Festival's international partnerships continue to flourish with projects underway.
The full programme for 2026, along with details of the Lakes International Comic Art Festival, will be available in January 2026. This will include initial Festival guest announcements.
