CHASING AMY – FREE FILM SCREENING AND FESTIVAL OPENING NIGHT
Watch Kevin Smith’s third film in his New Jersey trilogy on the big-screen! With characters firmly rooted in the world of comics, what better way to start the festival. Kevin’s films are always littered with comic book, and pop-culture references, and Chasing Amy is a total love-letter to funny books, featuring a young Ben Affleck and a returning appearance by ex-pro skateboarder, turned actor Jason Lee. You’ll never look at the act of ‘tracing’ the same way again!
THURSDAY 25TH JUNE
CINEMAC, MACCLESFIELD
FREE– NO PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED
8PM-10PM
CERT 15
JAMES KOCHALKA’S SUPER-SONG!
Our international guest cartoonist James Kochalka will spend the day at Parkroyal community school, working with the school band and super-star music teacher Mr. Sinden to create a super-song about comics and art! The song will then be performed as part of the festival on Saturday 27th June.
FRIDAY 26TH JUNE
PARKROYAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL
ONLY AVAILABLE TO PUPILS OF THE SCHOOL
FULL MACCLESFIELD TOWN HALL PROGRAMME
MAIN COMIC ART MARKETPLACE
Join us in Macclesfield’s listed Town Hall building in the heart of the town, as we fill the Assembly and Capesthorne rooms with fantastic comic art creators from around the world!
The first 100 children through the doors will receive a copy of the BEANO celebrating 75 years of DENNIS THE MENACE!
SATURDAY 27TH JUNE
10-4PM
FREE ENTRY
The GRAND GOOF LAUNCH!
This year we launch the third issue of GOOF the world’s goofiest comics magazine! The first issue debuted in 2024 with half the creators involved actually at the festival themselves. This gave visitors the great chance to purchase the comic and then meet the cartoonists who have created some of the comics inside.
Grab your copy from the Marc makes comics table and then meet fantastic cartoonists including Lew Stringer, Tor Freeman, Jim Medway, Mister Hope and James Kochalka!
WORKSHOPS, PANELS AND ACTIVITIES
JOSHUA KNOWLES ONE BIG COMIC!
Join OKIDO cartoonist Joshua Knowles outside the Town Hall as he attempts to create, with your help,
a huge interactive comic for all to see!
SATURDAY 27TH JUNE
OUTSIDE OF THE TOWN HALL BUILDING
10-4PM
FREE TO TAKE PART
CARICATURES WITH TOM FARACI
Know as the American Caricaturist, Tom will be on hand all day offering visitors to the festival the chance to be immortalised in the grand tradition of the caricature! Watch as Tom brings you to life in a truly unique way, and you get to take home your new prized possession!
SATURDAY 27TH JUNE
INSIDE OF THE TOWN HALL BUILDING
10-4PM
Charges apply per-caricature
DRAW WITH TOR
Join Phoenix cartoonist Tor Freeman, as she shows you her delightful approach to making comics. Tor’s latest series Shirley Boss of the Underworld, embraces the joy of making comics, telling creative and fun stories, so you’ll get swept up into her world during this workshop!
This is a fantastic opportunity to draw with one of the brightest lights in comics for children. Tor’s work has also featured in GOOF, Polle, numerous picture books, and two years ago she illustrated comedian Richard Ayoade’s book ‘The Book That No One Wanted to Read‘
Suited to ages 6+
SATURDAY 27TH JUNE
MACCLESFIELD TOWN HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, SECOND FLOOR
10.30-11.30AM
BOOK NOW!
COFFEE ZOMBIES WITH CHARLIE ADLARD
Outside the Town Hall KICKBACK COFFEE will be saving up the finest coffee to tickle your taste buds, and for just one hour, WALKING DEAD cartoonist CHARLIE ADLARD will be drawing zombies drinking coffee for their customers! Don’t miss this crazy happening, and enjoy your coffee!
SATURDAY 27TH JUNE
OUTSIDE OF THE TOWN HALL BUILDING
11-12PM
FREE TO ATTEND
HOW TO DRAW HENRY’S CAT WITH DAVID LEACH
Legendary British cartoonist David Leach first cut his teeth being the ghost artist for creator Bob Godfrey for comics based on the classic 80s cartoon series Henry’s Cat. Join David as he’ll show you how he did it, and celebrates this classic character and 40 years working in the industry!
Suited to ages 6+
SATURDAY 27TH JUNE
MACCLESFIELD TOWN HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, SECOND FLOOR
11.45-12.30PM
FREE TO ATTEND
ALEX FITCH’S PANEL BORDERS – LIVE!
Join comics’ podcaster Alex Fitch as he talks to our esteemed international guest JAMES KOCHALKA about his rich career in comics. From his American Elf diary comic that ran everyday for 15 years starting in 1998, to his continued success in the world of comics for both children and adults, James is an animated creator in this field and this conversation is one not to miss!
SATURDAY 27TH JUNE
MACCLESFIELD TOWN HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, SECOND FLOOR
12.45-1.30PM
FREE TO ATTEND
HOW TO DRAW BATMAN!
Legendary British creator SEAN PHILLIPS returns to our festival celebrating 40 years of the Dark Knight Returns! When did BATMAN get so serious? Sean will tell you, but maybe he’ll show you a side to BATMAN you didn’t know existed too!
SATURDAY 27TH JUNE
MACCLESFIELD TOWN HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, SECOND FLOOR
1.45-2.30PM
FREE TO ATTEND
THE MIGHTY CARTOONIST BATTLE!
Let’s take a handful of cartoonists, give them some ideas, and watch them create before your very eyes! Anything could happen, and anything can get drawn too! Bring your challenges, and see them realised before your very eyes!
Featuring JAMES KOCHALKA, ABBY BULMER,
TOR FREEMAN, KEV F SUTHERLAND,
GARY NORTHFIELD, and LAURA HOWELL.
SATURDAY 27TH JUNE
MACCLESFIELD TOWN HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, SECOND FLOOR
2.45-3.30PM
FREE TO WATCH
EXTERNAL FESTIVAL ELEMENTS AROUND MACCLESFIELD TOWN CENTRE
THE GRAPHIC NOVEL READING ROOM
We’re thrilled to once again open the doors to a free comic book reading room, where you can discover a fantastic, eclectic mix of graphic novels, or as Alan Moore describes them ‘fat comics’! Perfectly curated inside Chestergate’s Button warehouse, you can enjoy some quiet reading, whilst also enjoying fine coffee and cake. Is there a better way to discover something new in such a relaxed setting? Come and find your new favourite title, and maybe discover a side to comics you didn’t know existed!
SATURDAY 27TH JUNE
THE BUTTON WAREHOUSE, CHESTERGATE
10-4PM
FREE ENTRY
COMICS AND COFFEE WITH SAVANNAH STORM
Discover the journey of the humble coffee bean and see how it ends up in your daily cup with a wonderful comic book created by Savannah Storm. Savannah will be in residence at Flour Water Salt Macclesfield’s famous café and bakery with copies available to buy, she will also be drawing free coffee related art for the cafés customers.
SATURDAY 27TH JUNE
FLOUR WATER SALT, MARKET PLACE
11-12PM
GREEN EGGS AND HAM WITH JAMES KOCHALKA
James will be inside Macclesfield’s Waterstones signing copies of the first in a trilogy of books, that reimagine the classic Dr. Seuss characters. Don’t miss out on the chance to get your copy. James will also be a part of our exhibitor hall during the hours 10-4PM, excluding this appearance.
SATURDAY 27TH JUNE
WATERSTONES, MILL STREET
11-12PM
YOU’VE GOT FIVE MINUTES!
Festival regular Emma Reynolds returns, as she draws your portrait in just five minutes outside (weather permitting, inside if not) Macclesfield’s wonderful café/bar and music venue, THE BUTTON WAREHOUSE. Grab a coffee and strike your pose!
FREE but limited slots morning and afternoon, please arrive early to avoid disappointment.
SATURDAY 27TH JUNE
THE BUTTON WAREHOUSE, CHESTERGATE
11-12PM and 2-3PM
MUPPETRY IN THE MACCLESFIELD LIBRARY!
Join cartoonist ROGER LANGRIDGE and some VERY special friends in Macclesfield Library, as he’ll draw his unique take on Kermit the frog and friends, ably encouraged and inspired by the PUPPET FOLK EXPERIENCE! Then follow Roger and the Muppets back to the Town Hall in truly wonderful way!
Suited to ages 6+
FREE but limited slots, please arrive earlier to avoid disappointment.
SATURDAY 27TH JUNE
MACCLESFIELD LIBRARY, MARKETPLACE – CHILDREN’S AREA
11.45-12.30PM
FREE TO ATTEND
CHALLENGE MICHAEL!
Join the mighty Michael Lark (Daredevil, Lazarus) as you challenge him to draw any character, or ANYTHING! BUT in this unique opportunity, he gets to challenge you right back!! A fun and super-creative element to our programme taking place in Macclesfield’s Pizza Express.
Special festival food and drink offers will be available, after your child has drawn.
FREE but limited slots, please arrive earlier to avoid disappointment.
SATURDAY 27TH JUNE
PIZZA EXPRESS, MARKETPLACE
12-2PM
Suited to ages 6+
OiNK! THE DOCUMENTARY – FREE SCREENING
The WORLD PREMIERE of a new documentary by CLAIRE BEND and ROB REED looking at the creation, life and legacy of the hugely influential, cult British comic OiNK! Hosted by CINEMAC Macclesfield’s independent cinema
Featuring interviews with key creators involved, and lifelong fans, this documentary delves deep into the pig-pen and covers you in sensational swill! Post screening there will be a Q&A and drinks with the filmmakers and contributors from the film hosted by Alex Fitch (PANEL BORDERS)
SATURDAY 27TH JUNE
CINEMAC, MACCLESFIELD
FREE TICKETS ON THE DOOR – NO PRE-BOOKING
8-9.30PM
CERT PG
COMIC ART WORKSHOPS AT ROOM FOR COMICS, KING EDWARD STREET, MACCLESFIELD
MENACINGLY GOOD WITH NIGEL PARKINSON AND NIKA
Our first workshop is hosted by DENNIS THE MENACE AND GNASHER cartoonist NIGEL PARKINSON! Nigel has been drawing these classic characters for the BEANO since 1999, and he’s showing no signs of stopping. To celebrate Dennis turning 75, and not looking a day over 10, Nigel will show you how to create a menacingly good cartoon of your own, alongside his long-time colourist NIKA.
SUNDAY 28TH JUNE
ROOM FOR COMICS
10.30-11.30am – AGES 6+
BOOK NOW
I’LL DRAW ANYTHING! WITH JAMES KOCHALKA
Join our esteemed international guest James Kochalka, as he’ll take your challenges to show you how to drawing anything! James’ style is unique, and he’s worked on SpongeBob Squarepants comics, Dr. Suess characters, Ninja Turtles, and even the Power-rangers! All in his unique way! This is a must-attend chance to draw with a cartoonist that embodies the spirit of fun in the funny pages!
SUNDAY 28TH JUNE
ROOM FOR COMICS
12.30-1.30pm – AGES 6+
BOOK NOW
LET’S MAKE MANGA! WITH SONIA LEONG
Join us for a highly creative, and in-depth workshop with renowned manga artist Sonia Leong! Learn the true art and tradition of manga illustration and storytelling in this hands-on session. No prior experience necessary, just bring your creativity, enthusiasm and love of art! Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn from a true master in the world of MANGA!
SUNDAY 28TH JUNE
ROOM FOR COMICS
2-3.30pm – AGES 8+
BOOK NOW
EXTERNAL FESTIVAL ELEMENTS AROUND MACCLESFIELD TOWN CENTRE
BECKA HIGHAM’S ON THE SPOT DRAWINGS!
Join artist BECKA HIGHAM in Macclesfield’s indie bookshop the Quiet Cat, as she offers on the spot portraits to the shop’s customers.
FREE but limited slots morning and afternoon, please arrive early to avoid disappointment.
SUNDAY 28TH JUNE
THE QUIET CAT BOOKSHOP, GROSVENOR PRECINCT (CHESTERGATE ENTRANCE)
12-2PM
BRILLIANT BADGES WITH MISTER HOPE
Join GOOF cartoonist MISTER HOPE for a drop-in badge making session in Waterstones book shop.
SUNDAY 28TH JUNE
WATERSTONES, MILL STREET
11-12PM
NO BOOKING REQUIRED, SMALL CHARGE PER-BADGE.
MIGHTY MEGA PETS WITH GARY NORTHFIELD
Phoenix cartoonist GARY NORTHFIELD will be signing copies of his fantastically, furry and funny comic book MIGHTY MEGA PETS in Waterstones. Come and meet him and get a signed copy for yourself.
SUNDAY 28TH JUNE
WATERSTONES, MILL STREET
12-1PM
SUPERMAN III – FREE FILM SCREENING
To close our 11th festival, we’re bringing you the third in the classic Christopher Reeve SUPERMAN films. Also starring the late comedian Richard Pryor, this instalment is memorable for the interplay between the two leads, as well as highlighting the dawn of the 80s computer-boom! The perfect end to a fantastic few days celebrating comics and comic art in Macclesfield!
SUNDAY 28TH JUNE
CINEMAC, MACCLESFIELD
4.30-6PM
CERT PG
FESTIVAL EXHIBITIONS
AVA REID’S FEMALE FORCE IN COMICS
Macclesfield based, contemporary oil painter AVA REID, who has downs syndrome, is exhibiting a specially commissioned art exhibition of female characters from the world of comics and cartoon art. The 10 pieces exude Ava’s unique view of the world. Embracing the commissioned challenge, she has joyfully entered the world of comic art with these fantastic pieces.
WEDNESDAY 20TH MAY – SATURDAY 11TH JULY
REDWILLOW, MACCLESFIELD
FREE TO VIEW
12PM-11PM
GENTLE OBSERVATIONS FROM JAMES KOCHALKA
Our esteemed international guest JAMES KOCHALKA will be displaying an exhibition of his GENTLE OBSERVATIONS artwork at the Macclesfield Silk Museum. James unique cartooning and observational eye will bring a truly wonderful series of water-colours to the festival. This series debuted online initially and has been seen in print in both New York, and Vermot based newspapers. It is the first time this work has been exhibited anywhere in the world in person, and is not to be missed.
PLUS enter our competition our competition to create your very own ‘observation’ inspired by James’ work.
WEDNESDAY 3RD JUNE – SATURDAY 27TH JUNE
THE SILK MUSEUM, MACCLESFIELD
FREE TO VIEW
10AM-3PM WEDNESDAYS-SATURDAYS
MAKE MINE MANGA!
Make Mine Manga is a free exhibition for anyone curious about manga as well as the avid fan. Drawn from material from the Kyoto Manga Museum, it has been specially created by PAUL GRAVETT, comic publisher, fan and author of ‘Manga: 60 Years Of Japanese Comics.’
Manga have become a pop-culture phenomenon in the UK and more and more people are reading them. Six of the top ten bestselling graphic novelists in Britain are Japanese manga authors. In the exhibition, explore how these comics evolved first in Japan and how their brilliant creators continue to expand the medium. And discover today’s generation of award-winning British talents making manga their own way into a truly global language.
WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LAKES INTERNATIONAL COMIC ART FESTIVAL (LICAF)
TUESDAY 23RD JUNE – THURSDAY 30TH JULY
MACCLESFIELD LIBRARY, JORDANGATE
FREE TO VIEW
MONDAY 10-7PM, TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY 10-5PM
THURSDAY 10-7PM, FRIDAY 10-5PM
SATURDAY 10-1PM, SUNDAY CLOSED
If you also enjoy drawing MANGA, our masterclass with creator SONIA LEONG is also not to be missed!
BOOK NOW!
Lew Stringer, Tor Freeman, Emma Reynolds, Roger Langridge, David Leach, Jonathan Edwards, Felt Mistress, Ray, Ahmed Raafat, Jim Stafford, Laura Howell, Tim Quinn and Dicky Howett, Mister Hope, Jim Medway, Michael and Keli Lark, Gary Northfield, John Allison, Rachael Smith, Sonia Leong, Lucy Sullivan, Kev F. Sutherland, Wocco, Sean Phillips, Jacob Phillips, Pip Martin, Abby Bulmer, Emmelline Pidgen, Simone Lia, Molly Pukes, Nigel Parkinson* Nika* Becka Higham, Ava Reid,
Tom Faraci, Florence Jackson, Aubrey Hope, Joshua Knowles, Charlie Adlard, Aaron VW, and James Kochalka.
*Sunday 28th only at ROOM FOR COMICS TICKETS COMING MONDAY 18TH
Savannah Storm, Sar Cousins, Jemma Jamie, Shri Gunasekara, ToriaScribbles, Viraj Joshi, Piierrote
Dab Hand Comics, Jenika Ioffreda, Ivy Rae Robinson, Flo Woolley, Colin Mathieson, Samuel Hickson
Jemma Sharp, Ellie Dixon, Paperr Jamm, Comics Youth CIC, Kit Snow, Chris Askham, Noel K Hannan/Rawhead
This is Sian Ellis, PSYComics/Neil Roche, Tandborstee, Roz Hague, Banana Tiger Press, Foxhat, Corey Brotherston,
Froggy Froo, Inky Fruit Co., Kawafi, Time Bomb Comics, Rowan Frenwin, Monolith Comics, Third Bear Press.
MACC-POW! returns for its’ 11th year with another fabulously full weekend celebrating comic book art in the heart of Macclesfield, Cheshire. This is a truly unique event for the town, that brings together both local and international creators from the world of comic book art, in a leap and one-single-bound! This event allows you to get up-close and personal with legendary comic pros from over the past 40 years of comics, and the bright stars of the future, celebrating this wonderful world with a diverse mix of amazing creators.
Our main exhibitor day takes place once again in the listed TOWN HALL BUILDING on Saturday June 27th (10-4PM) with FREE ENTRY to three rooms bursting with incredible creators exhibiting their work, and a full day of workshops and interactive elements, thanks to the continued support of Macclesfield Town Council.
We are hosting our FREE mini comic art film festival at CINEMAC (Macclesfield’s independent cinema) starting 25th of June screening classic, comic related films and the world premiere of the OiNK comic documentary, showcasing how the medium leaps from the page onto the big screen and back again.
There will also be a full weekend of creative workshops, and interactive elements from 27th-28th of June in the Town Hall, Macclesfield Library, cafés/restaurants, the Silk Museum and Room for comics, Macclesfield’s comics and cartoon art studio. Details for all workshops can be found in the WHAT’S ON section.
Bringing international and national creators into our great town each year, allows us to showcase comic art in all its glory, introducing the town to this wonderful world. This will be a weekend unlike any other, so if you have a passion for comics, or are totally new but intrigued by the medium, make sure you put MACC-POW! on your creative calendar!
Working in partnership with Macclesfield Town Council
