Chris Burke in action the last time the festival live drawing day was in the bandstand in 2016. Photo © Kasia Kowalska
Emily from Beach Creative introduces this year’s festival:
It’s almost time for a splash of humour, colour, and creativity as the Herne Bay Cartoon Festival returns to the Kent coast. With the theme “Look on the Bright Side!”, this year’s festival promises a vibrant two-week showcase highlighting the very best of British cartooning.
This year’s poster by Chris ‘Dink’ Williams
Cartoonists are heading to the seaside town of Herne Bay for a two-week exhibition, alongside live drawing sessions, hands-on workshops, and the chance to meet the artists behind the artwork.
Featuring work from cartoonists including Royston Robertson, Des Buckley, Jeremy Banx, Chris Williams, John Landers, Martin Rowson, Pete Songi, Ian Ellery, Andrew Birch, Clive Goddard, Chichi Parish, Helen Pointer, Ben Chilton, James Mellor, Chris Burke, Rob Murray, Dave Brown, Ed Naylor, Thomas Johnston, Pete Dredge, The Surreal McCoy, Jess Judge, Alex Hughes and more. (Ed: I’m one of the ‘more’)
Key Events:
Looks on the Bright Side Exhibition
Friday 31st July 2026 – Friday 14th August 2026
Beach Creative, Beach House, Beach Street, Herne Bay CT6 5PT
This exhibition features work from around 35–40 artists across the gallery spaces at Beach Creative. Preview evening: Friday 31st July, 6pm – 8pm.
Poster by The Surreal McCoy
Fantastic Animals: Free Cartoon Workshop
Saturday 1st August, 2pm – 4pm
Beach Creative, Beach House, Beach Street, Herne Bay CT6 5PT
Ever heard of a flamillipede? It’s a magical combination of a flamingo and a millipede, brilliantly balanced on one of its many legs. Join this interactive workshop to create your own imaginative creatures by combining animals, birds, and sea life.
There is also an adjoining exhibition of magical amalgamated animal cartoons by Procartoonists members too.
To book: beachcreativeinfo@gmail.com
Children’s Free Cartoonists Workshop
Saturday 1st August, 2pm – 4pm
Beach Creative, Beach House, Beach Street, Herne Bay CT6 5PT
Run by professional cartoonists, this family-friendly session is free to attend.
To book: beachcreativeinfo@gmail.com
Live Cartoon Drawing
Sunday 2nd August from 12 noon
Herne Bay Bandstand, Central Parade, CT6 5JN
Cartoonists will be drawing live—visitors may even get the chance to have their portrait sketched.
Venue & Visitor Details
Beach Creative, Beach House, Beach Street, Herne Bay CT6 5PT
Open Monday–Sunday, 10:00–16:00
Booking & Info
Email: beachcreativeinfo@gmail.com
Royston Robertson, Kipper Williams and Chris again drawing in the bandstand in 2016. Photo © Kasia Kowalska