FAST drawing, record-breaking challenges and international talent are promised by the organisers of a widely anticipated celebration of comic art.

Kendal will once again by hosting the Lakes Comic Art Festival for a weekend of events, activities and workshops for people of all ages, from October 11 to 13.

Festival director Julie Tait said: "I’m so delighted to be bringing the best of comic art to Kendal in October.

"We are welcoming more creators, more countries, more exhibitors and more commissions than ever before."

Julie added: "We have a packed programme of events for festival pass holders and a free Comics Clock Tower and family zone which will showcase an amazing selection of artist and publishers.”

Highlights will include: l The Smurfs at 60 – an exhibition celebrating one of the rise of the much-loved small blue characters created by Belgian artist Peyo

l The launch of Rain, the latest graphic novel by Bryan and Mary Talbot following the everyday experiences of people affected by climate change, flooding and pollution

lFamily Zone - free mask and badge making, face painting, comic strip drawing and more at the Westmorland Shopping Centre, Kendal.

l Next Frame – a chance for eight artists to respond to Abbot Hall Art Gallery's collection, where each will have a few hours to create what they think would be the next frame to their chosen artwork

l The launch of Barking, a tale of grief, madness and ghosts by artist Lucy Sullivan

l Let’s Go Camping with Tom of Finland - an exhibition celebrating the work and influence of artist and gay icon Tom of Finland, at Cross Lane Projects, Kendal, from September 28 to October 19 (Age 18+)

l The Viz 150 Character World Record Challenge – to mark 40 years of the adult comic, artists from the UK and US will attempt to draw all 150 Viz characters in 50 minutes

l Windows Trail – an opportunity for schools, businesses and artists to adorn the shop windows of Kendal.

l Zombie concert – see zombies brought to ‘life’ in a new performance featuring live drawing with The Walking Dead artist Charlie Adlard and composer and musician Julien Limonne.

For more details and tickets, see www.comicartfestival.com