International Cartoon Festival touches down in Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury town centre will once again host the vibrant International Cartoon Festival, with the main weekend of activities running this week from Wednesday 18 April 2012 -Saturday 21 April 2012. 

Pre-activities start on Wednesday with a free workshop at the DASH (Disability Arts in Shropshire) Space, Monkmoor Road, Shrewsbury, followed by a free illustrated cartoon talk about hot air balloons on Thursday at 7pm in Bear Steps Gallery, St Alkmund’s Place. 

The theme of this year’s event is ‘flying’, and various locations throughout Shrewsbury including The Square, Market Hall and Theatre Severn will host a number of workshops and activities encouraging people to get involved and get creative. 

People will also have the opportunity to see professional cartoonists working as they craft instant drawings which will be exhibited in Shrewsbury Market Hall on 20 April and 21 April. 

Mike Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for tourism and culture, said:

“The annual Shrewsbury International Cartoon Festival is again upon us and this year’s event will bring even more variety and entertainment. This unique and highly-acclaimed festival is certainly set to create a buzz of excitement flying through the streets of Shrewsbury.” 

One of the festival’s more unusual events will be hosted in The Square on Saturday 21 April at 3pm, when cartoon ‘melodrawmatists’ will bring to life the gripping tale of Baloney the Daredevil Flyer, whilst creating an on-the-spot comic strip to a live recitation and musical accompaniment. 

RAF Museum Cosford will be joining in the creative fun in The Square, highlighting the theme with displays and activities.  Karen Crick from the museum says:

“We are bringing some artefacts from the access and learning handling collection. This will include items such as uniforms which people will be able to try on.  There will also be flying themed colouring-in activity sheets for aircraft such as the Spitfire and Hurricane.”  

We still have some volunteer places for people who would like to help out at the events, supporting the artists and activities in The Square and other venues.  This is great fun and a brilliant opportunity for anyone interested in art.  

If you are interested in volunteering then call Joy Durrant on 01743 255077. 

For more visit the website www.shrewsburycartoonfestival.com or call Shrewsbury Visitor Information Centre on 01743 281200. 

If you are interested in attending the free workshop at DASH Space, please call DASH on 01743 272939.