Fundraising comic festival being launched in Shrewsbury
A new fundraising comic festival is being launched in Shrewsbury next year.
Councillor Jane Mackenzie, for Bayston Hill, Column and Sutton, has been working with Shrewsbury-based writers and artists, local businesses and Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery planning the festival for next June, which will raise funds for her new charity Share Shrewsbury, which helps people of all ages affected by addiction.
The Walking Dead artist Charlie Adlard, Judge Dredd creator John Wagner, Doctor Who and 2000AD writer Robbie Morrison and top Marvel Comics artist Christain Ward will all be part of the festival.
Events will take place in a number of venues including the Castle Grounds, The Guildhall, The Dana Prison and the Quarry Park.
Councillor Mackenzie said: "In addition to local and UK artists we will be flying in super star comic creators from overseas and we are expecting thousands to attend the event, bringing business into the town and in the longer term putting the town on the map as the capital for comic art in the UK.
"We are delighted to say that Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery are already working with us, and they will be hosting a brand new exhibition of The Walking Dead and Charlie Adlard’s artwork before and during the festival weekend.
"The University Centre Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury Colleges Group, Shrewsbury Town Council and Shropshire Council are all backing our venture, and we are grateful for their advice and support."
The event will be held in venues across the town on June 1 and 2.
