Every month in ComicScene magazine we write a column about a particular issue to do with indie and small press comics. For volume 2 issue 1 (now on sale here) we looked at 10 fantastic small press friendly comic conventions that we’re looking forward to in 2019.

True Believers Comic Festival 2019 (2nd February)

The traditional season opener, this one-dayer in Cheltenham has been moved from it’s traditional locale at the race course, but we hope this won’t put it off it’s pace, as it is consistently one of the best run and most enjoyable days on the comics calendar.

Find out more at www.oktruebelivers.com

Dunfermline Comic Con 2019 (March 30th)

After last year’s event being cancelled at short notice due to the heavy snow, this year’s has a surge of good will pushing it forward – as well as one of the most beautiful convention posters we’ve seen! With a fantastic mix of name guests like Marc Ellerby, Sarah Graley and Dee Cuniffe, joining the best of the Scottish small press, this has all the ingredient needed to be a cracking day out!

Find out more at www.littleshopofheroes.co.uk

Portsmouth Comic Con (4-5th May)

Now in it’s second year, this event run in conjunction with our friends at Tripwire, is set to feature an exciting mix of big name guests (including DC’s Liam Sharp making a rare UK appearance), along with the best indie creators from the south of England.

Find out more at portsmouthcomiccon.com

Lawless – A Celebration of British Comics (18th May)

Formerly the Dredd and 2000 AD focused Law Giver, this year’s event in Bristol will mix in a wider UK comics focus along with a tribute to the late great Carlos Ezquerra.

Find out more at lawlesscomiccon.co.uk

MCM London (24th-26th May)

The daddy of them all. Even though the emphasis is on big name creators (and TV and movies), the MCM Artist’s Alley is still one of the most exciting line ups of comic creators you will see all year.

Find out more at www.mcmcomiccon.com/london

ELCAF (7th-9th June)

The East London Comics Art Fair is the focal point for the artier end of the small press spectrum. More like an art school end of year show than a comic con, it’s an enlightening day out.

Find out more at elcaf.com

Glasgow Comic Con (29th June)

Part of the ever-growing Scottish comic scene, this event is now in it’s 9th year and features over 150 exhibitors, including the creators from BHP Comics who are co-organisers.

Find out more at www.glasgowcomiccon.com

ICE Birmingham (31st August)

The ‘coolest’ event on the comics calendar, this Midlands based event mixes big names from the UK scene with family friendly atmosphere. (Be sure to check out their star-studded Brighton event in March)

Find out more at internationalcomicexpo.wordpress.com

Leamington Comic Con (5th October 2019)

The excellent Leamington Comic Con returns to the All Saints Parish Church this year, one of the most original convention venues we have been to. After shuffling around the convention calendar, it also returns to it’s original Autumn time of year and should be another fantastic day out with John Wagner and Jamie Delano joining the best of small press.

Find out more at twitter.com/leamcomicon

Nottingham Comic Con (TBC)

Following up a stellar 2018 show, thanks to an exclusive appearance from Hilda creator Luke Pearson and the Nobrow team, let’s hope they have something as equally impressive up their sleeve for this year’s event!

Find out more at nottinghamcomiccon.co.uk

Thought Bubble Festival (4th-10th 2019)

The Glastonbury of Comics, and the epicentre of the UK comics scene returns to it’s traditional end of year spot. With more indie creators per square foot than at any time of the year, and many launching new titles, this really is the main event for indie comics!

Find out more at www.thoughtbubblefestival.com

Your Local Small Press Event

Whether it is a small press signing in your local comic shop, or a comic festival in your local town hall or library or a full blown convention, then be sure to support your local comics community, as without them there won’t be a UK comics scene!

Find out more about Small Press Day at www.smallpressday.co.uk