In our continued search to bring you the best comics focused UK conventions and festivals, we chat to Goons of the Galaxy creator (and The Pull List contributor) Marc Jackson about the up coming MACC-POW! – a comics art festival, coming Macclesfield on July 1st.  We find out why this little convention based in the north of England is managing to stand out from the crowd!

So tell us a bit about the inspiration and idea behind MACC-POW!?

Marc Jackson: Well, I was reading about the Lakes International Comic Art festival’s 2015 line-up and I loved how it sounded. Through a mutual contact in my hometown, Jane Munro from the local Treacle Market, I was introduced to Aileen Mcevoy, who is one of the amazing folks behind LICAF. Turns out she too lived in Macclesfield, we met chatted and from that conversation, I suggested the idea for the one-day event that became MACC-POW! It literally went from there. I wanted a family friendly event that embraced comics and the art behind them, sweeping the town up with it at the same time!

What guests and events will you be having?

MJ: Phew! We have so many, I’ve very lucky. Returning this year are Lew Stringer and Paul Grist. We also have a slew of new comers. The full line up also includes DAVID LEACH, LAURA HOWELL, EMMA CHINNERY, MARC JACKSON, JAMES KOCHALKA, DICK VINCENT, RICK EADES, LYNDON WHITE, JESSICA ON PAPER, EMMELINE PIDGEN, PIGDOG PRESS, KEN MCFARLANE, LAURA CROW, TILLIE WALDEN, WOW COMIX, CLAIRE SMITH, NATALIE BURGHER, MISSED DEADLINE MAGAZINE, SIR K, LAWRENCE COPEMAN, ACCENT UK and DENIS ST JOHN from the SCHULTZ CORPORATION.

We’ll also be having a live Skype link up with James Kochalka again (he was great last year) and this year we welcome indie comics sensation Tillie Walden and Denis St John who will be live-drawing Snoopy from California! We’ll also have drawing events, lots of cartoon screenings (including 2 episodes of 1960’s classic Batman with Adam West) and a costume parade for the children!

What makes it different from other cons/festivals? And why should people attend?

MJ: We fully embrace the comics. It’s incredibly family friendly and our Skype link ups give us a true uniqueness. We bring international comic creators to the fair town of Macclesfield in a single leap and bound! I think an event like this really resonates with visitors when those involved are passionate about comics and the art, that then comes across in every way on the day.

Have you picked up any dos and donts from cons you’ve been to as a punter/exhibitor?

MJ: 100% the do’s are look after your guests and all your creators and they will not only come back, but sing your praises, that is vital. Don’ts are don’t do the opposite of the do’s 🙂

And finally where can people find out more and get tickets?

MJ: If they go to www.maccpow.co.uk they can find out all the details and also look for MACC-POW! on Facebook for regular updates. There are no tickets, just show up on the day and get ready to get busy with the funny books!