BOWNESS is gearing up for the tenth edition of a hugely popular comic art festival.

The Lakes International Comic Art Festival is taking place across a number of venues in Bowness from October 14 - 16, showcasing comic artists, writers and creators from over 25 countries.

The festival venues include The Old Laundry Theatre, Windermere Jetty Museum, and The Lakesview Comic Marketplace at Lakes View.

Guests at the Festival include Guardian cartoonists Martin Rowson and Posy Simmonds, The Simpsons artist Bill Morrison, Steve McGarry, one of the film artists from the Minions movie, Eisner Award–winning Alison Bechdel, author of The Secret to Superhuman Strength, Charlie Adlard, artist on The Walking Dead comics.

READ MORE: Schoolboy turns superhero as world-famous comic book writer comes to town

The festival has plenty of family-friendly activities and promises a weekend of wonderful events for all ages. 

There are lots of things to see and do for free or you can buy a pass to access all our premium events. 

More details of events, exhibitors, and festival pass tickets are available at www.comicartfestival.com.

Festival Director Julie Tait said: "We are putting the lake into the Lakes International Comic Art Festival for our tenth year. 

"Many of the venues overlook the stunning waters of Windermere and we are delighted that over 100 guests and exhibitors will be with us to celebrate the amazing world of comics and comic art. 

"Comics play a vital role in boosting literacy, telling new stories, and tackling the biggest issues of our time. 

"I'd urge all lovers of art, literature, and culture to come down and find out how comics really can change the world."

The festival programme includes live drawing, creative workshops, talks, presentations, a comics marketplace, debates, cartoonists, satire, exhibitions, and some of the most amazing comic artists from across the globe. 

The festival also brings a comic art trail around Bowness, a reinvigorated crazy golf course full of cartoon characters, and a Finnish sauna by Windermere.

During the Festival weekend, there will be free shuttle bus transport between venues.

Shuttle buses running between Kendal and Bowness on Saturday and Sunday are free for exhibitors and pass holders. 

Free bike hire provided by the Lake District National Park team is available from Windermere Jetty Museum. 

There is also free parking for festival-goers at Windermere Jetty Museum.

Tickets are available at www.comicartfestival.com/festival-tickets.

READ MORE: Arts festival and university join forces to support learners’ mental health