A trailblazing comic art festival is set for Bowness-on-Windermere this weekend.

Home to the Lakes International Comic Art Festival, the quaint town nestled in the Lake District National Park will host a splash of colourful comic culture, from Manga artists to cosplay pets.

The Lakes International Comic Art Festival brings together the world's finest comic artists, creators, and writers, from September 29-October 1.

Over 200 individuals from 22 countries, representing every corner of the globe, descend to the shores of Lake Windermere, creating an international hub of cartoon creativity.

Events to look forward to include live draws, interviews, presentations, exhibitions, book launches, signings, family activities, and a plethora of comics to discover.

Unmissable highlights include a superhero sock puppet theatre show, displays of original Spider-Man comics, and the Collectives for Change exhibit exploring Arab comics.

This year, the festival will see the creation of a comic village with a free Lakeside Comics Marketplace, which has now doubled in size.

It will spread across various venues, including The Old Laundry Theatre, The Windermere Jetty Museum, The Lake District Boat Club, and The Comics Arts Bar, among others.

A unique offering of the festival this year is the 'Windows on Comic Art Trail'.

Featuring 25 creatively decorated Windows, the trail extends to various businesses across town.

In a special partnership with the British Council, the trail will also host 'From Ink to Action', a project introducing 12 exceptional creators from the Middle East and North Africa focussing on environmental issues.

For family visitors, there is an array of free events for young comic fans at the Windermere Jetty Museum.

Organised by 'Little LICAF' and requiring no booking, these activities are tailored for under 12s.

Julie Tait, Festival Director said: “The festival has oodles of family-friendly activities and promises a weekend of wonderful events for all ages. This is the perfect event for comic fans but also those who are new to the wonderful world of comics.”

More information about the event, including the full guest list and event programme, is available at www.comicartfestival.com.

Remaining festival passes are still available online, with many activities being free of charge.

Thanks are given to Arts Council England and all festival partners and supporters.