'South Lakeland is now rural culture centre of North' says MP

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has heralded South Lakeland as the 'rural cultural hub of the North', following yesterday's announcement that Kendal will host an international comic art festival.

The Lakes International Comic Art Festival will showcase the worlds best cartoons, superheroes, Japanese style manga and graphic novels. It will include events where people will hear from some of the biggest names in comic art, debates, films, exhibitions and workshops.

The Festival will run from 18-20 October 2013 in Kendal. Authors and artists will be signing copies of their work and there will be a marketplace to buy comics and comic art.

Tim said: "The news that Kendal will host another festival is great news. When people think about culture in the North West, they think Manchester, Liverpool and South Lakeland. We are really punching above our weight and have become a hub for arts and culture - I would now argue that the South Lakes has become the cultural centre of the north. The value to our 'brand' and the local economy is enormous - it's vital that we continue to win festivals of this sort, they are a huge boost to our area."