On 13th February Alternative Press Fair celebrated it’s 1st Birthday party with a wonderful zine show in Euston London. It was jammed packed full with entertainment for all! http://www.alternativepress.org.uk/

We have been along to a couple of events organised by Jimi Gherkin and friends, the whole vibe is one of openness and collaboration. Great for networking, finding new creative talent and re-connecting with old acquaintances. It really is a great place to meet people and make friends.

The Aloysius social club was rammed with tables all displaying unique and inspiring zines, artist books, handmade curiosities and cupcakes. People milling around, chatting and laughing. A really active atmosphere where you feel like you are part of something quite exciting. In addition to the zines there was a screen printing workshop and in the evening, open mic, poetry and DJ’s.  Also, if you fancied a pint there’s a cosy bar at the back that still has it’s original 70’s décor, a little tobacco stained but charming nonetheless.

One zine enthusiast said:
“I just love events like this,  it is really easy and perfectly acceptable to talk to any person in the room without feeling you are imposing or being labelled a crazy-man. Everyone is friendly and  out to meet as many fresh faces as they can, and the work on display is just wonderful.”

Creature says:
Going to alternative press fairs really does reassure and give you hope. It’s a joy to see  so many people running such interesting, creative projects and all so willing to chat and collaborate. We got our hands on lots of goodies, highlights of which we have included below:

War with the Culicidae

This is great, it’s the story of war with mosquitoes presented in pencil drawings. Hilarious. To get one please contact  sabba.khan@gmail.com

Sting Ray

Issue 1 of this new magazine includes a mix of fiction and reportage on the theme of community. See www.stingraymag.com for info.

Mallard Small Press

We found Joe from Mallard small press doing “stick art” one off originals, we bought a few, here is one:

Mallardsmallpress.wordpress.com

Collaborama! Zine

Finally, at the Alternative press festival last summer they created a zine on the day,  had it printed and stapled there and then, we managed to get our hands on one, it includes a doodle from Creature, a piece by regular creature contributor Julie Vermeille and a piece by the creator of the latest friendship edition, Elli Chortara. What a lovely surprise to see so many Creature people involved.

By Julie Vermeille – www.julievermeille.com

By Elli Chortara – www.ellichortara.com

We would very much recommend getting yourself along to the next one. Keep up to date with the Alternative press festival at http://www.alternativepress.org.uk/