Cartoon Exhibition launches at Shrewsbury Market Hall

The ‘It’s About Time’ themed exhibition, the largest free cartoon exhibition of its kind outside London, will run until May 6, before heading off on tour around Shropshire.

Eighty pieces of work, by professional cartoonists from all over the UK, will go on public viewing across the gallery level of the Market Hall. Open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday April 21, 10am to 4pm, the show will also present a rare opportunity for fans to buy affordable original cartoons and high quality signed prints.

Over 40 professional cartoonists are descending on Shrewsbury during the festival weekend of April 19 to 21 to caricature and cartoon for members of the public and give a fascinating insight into this delightful highly skilled artform.

For the first time Shrewsbury Market Hall will be transformed into one of the main venues of this unique annual festival.

The emphasis will be on family cartoon fun on Sunday April 21, 11am – 3pm, when the Market Hall will open specially for the day. This will be a chance for all the family to see artists at work, get involved in free cartoon workshops and have their caricature drawn for free. A Cartoon Clinic will be held 1.30pm - 3pm, for budding artists to get feedback and advice on their own cartoons brought from home.

Stalls will be open in a festival atmosphere. The Market Hall will be decorated thoughout with cartoons and the popular Bridgnorth Ukelele Band will provide musical entertainment. To commemorate the festival’s 10th birthday, the first 100 10-year-olds through the doors will get a free cupcake.

There will be much more for the family to browse, from stalls selling artisan foods and handcrafted gifts to jewellery, books, toys and vintage items.

For further information about times, venues and workshops visit www.shrewsburycartoonfestival.com or pick up a brochure from Shrewsbury Market Hall or Shrewsbury Visitor Information Centre.