Notts Zine Fest is coming back to Nottingham this weekend where it will be hosted by the city’s Central Library.
Unlike a common book fair, this event gathers illustrators, poets, designers, photographers, graffiti artists, comic creators, writers, and all kind of creatives who come to share their passion and the work birthed from it.
With the 2025 event being the ‘sixth edition’ of the lively book fair, the creatives powering it, Dizzy Ink, MOAN Zine and Raw Print, have packed the day out with over 50 stalls as well as:
- Free workshops with Dan Wheeler (Sequence), Dizzy Ink, NTU Illustration and Arti Zine UK
- Live illustrations and performances
- A GF Smith paper aeroplane competition
- Readings, signing and talks
- Exhibitions
- A showcase celebrating 11 years of Dizzy Ink, a Nottingham print studio
The fest will take place on Saturday 8 November at Nottingham Central Library from 10am until 4pm with free entry for all.
The workshops throughout the day will go as follows:
- 10:00 – 12:00 – Sticker making with @Dizzy.Ink
All ages. All materials provided. Turn your drawings, doodles or slogans into real stickers.
- 12:00 – 14:00 – Charm and keyring making with @Dizzy.Ink
All ages. All materials provided. Design your own phone charm or keyring.
- 10:00 – 12:00 and 13:00-15:00 – Sequencing with @sequence.uk
All ages. Bring 20-40 printed images. A supportive two hour session exploring how to arrange and present your images within books, portfolios, exhibitions or digital showcases.
- 14:00-16:00 Zine club with @artizineuk
Ages 10+. All materials provided. A relaxed space to make mini-magazines, swap ideas and experiment with collage, drawing and storytelling.
- 11:00-15:00 – Screenprinting with @Dizzy.Ink
All ages. All Materials provided. Pick from 50 colourful bags and print your own designs.
- All day – Paper plane making with @GFSmithpapers
All ages. All materials provided. Use high quality paper to fold your best paper plane and the person who has the longest flight wins a GF Smith goodie bag.
The talks and performances throughout the day will go as follows:
- 13:00-13:45 – Zineswap by Mr Gordo
The illustrator and graphic designer will discuss the history of ZINESWAP, his favourite finds and what will be next for the project as the new year approaches.
- 13:45-2:30 – ZINEOPOLIS by Dr Jac Batey
The prominent figure in illustration and Zines directs Zineopolis at the University of Portsmouth and teaches MA illustration, she will discuss how zines can be used as a space for uncensored creativity and the pieces from the Zineopolis collection.
- 14:30-15:50 – The Role of an Artist by Pan Ini
The songwriter and creative, Pan, will explore what it means to be an artist right now and the talk will help the audience practice humour, silliness and creativity.
- All Day – Glamanita Mascaria: The Original Forest Diva Hannah Whitlow
The artist and zine creator co-founded the Notts Zine Library two years ago and has worked with the Notts Zine Fest since its origins, she will be around all day to talk with any other creatives who want her knowledgeable insight.
