The artists from all over the UK will be joined by five French cartoonists whose work is on display at Theatre Severn’s upper floor gallery from Friday 20 April 2012.

On Friday 20 April 2012 and Saturday 21 April 2012, artists will be drawing for the public in The Square and in Shrewsbury Market Hall, and offering a variety of workshops to encourage everyone to have a go at cartoon art.

Shropshire-based cartoonists include Angela Martin, who has an exhibition at Cath Tate Cards from 19 April – 3 May 2012; caricaturist Chris Ryder; cartoonists and comic artists Steve Bright and Charlie Adlard; and Festival chairman Roger Penwill, who gives a cartoon illustrated talk on hot air balloons on Thursday 19 April 2012.

Political cartoonist Steve Bell, well-known for his ‘If’ strip in The Guardian, is also giving an illustrated talk on the art of political cartooning. Andy Davey, editorial cartoonist for The Sun, will be drawing a giant cartoon in The Square, along with gag cartoonists Dredge, Bestie, The Surreal McCoy and many more.

Shrewsbury International Cartoon Festival is organised by Destination Shrewsbury, which includes Shropshire Council, Shrewsbury Town Council, Shrewsbury Business Chamber and Tourism Association and Shop in the Loop, with Shrewsbury Civic Society and the PCO (Professional Cartoonists Organisation).

More information on the festival can be found at www.shrewsburycartoonfestival.com.