A MAGAZINE showcase will return later this year, aiming to highlight the city’s grassroots arts scene.

Organised by Jess Autumn Bell, Carlisle Zine Fest will take place on December 7 from 11am to 4pm at the StArt studio on West Tower Street.

The idea to start the event in the city came after successful events in her native Kendal, starting in 2019.

“I realised how amazing the art scene is in Carlisle, and wanted to set up a 'zine fest here,” Mrs Autumn Bell said, explaining that she was invited to hold it at the Carlisle studio after a delegate attended her Kendal event and that this will be the third time it’s held there.

For the uninitiated, Mrs Autumn Bell explained the event: “It’s a collection of very talented 'zine makers, which are self-published magazines.

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“It’s a great way of sharing art, opinions, or something you’ve learned about – it can be anything you want it to be.

Carlisle Zine Fest in 2023Carlisle Zine Fest April 2024 (Image: Carlisle Zine Fest)

“We have a lot of local illustrators, and it’s going to be a really nice way and place in which to look at art.

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“It’s free to enter, and there are some great conversations to be had with the local creatives."

She’s still looking for stall-holder applicants until the end of October, and added that the event has previously had a lot of anime-related submissions and that something different would be welcome.

Furthermore, she’s offering a free stall to someone who will run a workshop.

“It could be collage, a 'zine-making workshop, pretty much anything as long as it’s something that has an interesting twist to it and is attached to 'zines in some way,” she explained.

For more information, and to keep updated, visit the Instagram page @carlisle.zine.fest.