Shropshire Star

Shrewsbury Cartoon Festival set to draw the crowds

Final preparations are being made for a festival which has seen cartoonists and caricaturists take to the streets of Shrewsbury for more then a decade.

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Shrewsbury Cartoon Festival has brought the art of illustration to the masses for 11 years now, and organisers are making the finishing touches before the event this weekend.

The big day will include workshops on Friday and Saturday and cartoonists demonstrating their skills in the square on Saturday. The event has received a boost thanks to funding from the Professional Cartoonists' Organisation, which has donated £2,000 towards the festival.

Spokeswoman Karen Lloyd said: "The patrons of Shrewsbury Cartoon Festival will be returning for the 11th year, and the festival clearly means a lot to them.

"Former Shrewsbury School pupil and Northern editor of The Guardian Martin Wainwright will be coming, alongside Radio Two presenter Alex Lester and OBE-winning journalist Libby Purves."

All three patrons have voiced their support for the scheme and Mr Wainwright believes the festival is a vital contributor to the tourist economy.

He said: "If you want to draw people to come and see your beautiful town, what better way than getting people who can draw? Shrewsbury had this brilliant idea 11 years ago and the annual Shrewsbury Cartoon Festival has been original, interesting and different every time."

This year's exhibitions will be showcased in the Bear Steps Gallery and also in the town's Chapel Bar at Theatre Severn.

For details call Karen Lloyd on 07554 948171, Alison Patrick on (01743) 252546 or visit www.shrewsburycartoonfestival.com

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