Derby’s first ever Zine Fest will take place on Saturday the 13th of April 2024 12:00pm – 10:30pm, spanning two of the city’s cultural hubs, Déda and QUAD, in partnership with Derbyshire Zine Library and the University of Derby.

Tapping into the incredible breadth of creativity both locally and nationally, FOLD is a new fest that will celebrate and showcase all things zine, bringing zinemakers, comic creators and DIY creatives from across the UK, together in Derby! FOLD will bring a complimentary programme of activities at each venue – including a zine fair and free workshops at Déda, and a focus on comic zines and university students outputs at QUAD, as well as free activities for kids and young people.

The intention for FOLD is to bring together like-minded partnerships across Derby and Derbyshire, with all the organisations involved presenting an annual fest that gives a platform to, and shines a light on, one of the most accessible ways to be creative – zine making!

What can I see and do at the FOLD?

QUAD Participation Space and foyer: Independent & small press comics, stripzines and graphic novels, plus University of Derby stalls showcasing the work of students across a range of creative departments, including illustration, graphics, creative writing and publishing – free to attend (12:00 – 17:00)

• QUAD Entrance Foyer: The Smallprint Co. will be showcasing a selection of artist’s books and printed ephemera that has been collected over the years. Alongside a demo in letterpress printing The Smallprint Co. will be on hand to talk about their studio resources for producing artist books and zines.
• QUAD Participation Space: Free family-focussed activities including comics, badges & mask making (12.00-17.00)
• QUAD Cinema: Screening of American Splendor (15) + short film Zine There Done That. 5:50pm in Cinema 2. Tickets available at QUAD’s regular cinema ticket prices.
• Déda Theatre: Zine Fair featuring over 35 indie zine and comic makers, free to attend (12:00 – 17:00)
• Déda Cafe: Derbyshire Zine Library pop-up and reading room along with free drop in zine making workshop, cut stick and explore your creativity.
• Déda Common Room:  Screen Printing Workshop. A chance to print your own FOLD tote bag with 10pm Print Club’s Sian Morrell, perfect for getting all of your zines home safe and sound (12:00 – 15:00)
• Déda: Fantasy Workshop. Create your own tabletop world using collage techniques with Jamzilla (15:00 – 17:00).