Comic Art Masterclass

Comic artist Kev F Sutherland, whose credits include Beano, Doctor Who and Marvel titles, runs a Comic Art Masterclass at The Burnavon in Cookstown on Thursday, 23 July 2026. The workshop teaches young comic fans how to build a strip from scratch, and every participant leaves with a finished comic featuring their own character and a self-drawn caricature.

What to expect

Sutherland now works mainly on graphic novels adapted from Shakespeare, and brings that storytelling background to a hands-on session aimed at children aged seven and up. Two identical sessions run on the day, one from 10am to 12:30pm and a second from 1:30pm to 4pm, each building a group comic strip page by page with guidance on characters, panels and pacing. The finished product is a printed comic that each child keeps, featuring a strip from every member of the group plus an individually drawn caricature of themselves. No previous drawing experience is needed, and all materials are supplied by the venue, so children can turn up with nothing but ideas.

Getting there

The Burnavon is on Burn Road in Cookstown town centre, a short walk from the town’s main shopping streets, with parking available on site and nearby.

While you’re in Cookstown

The Burnavon is Cookstown’s main arts venue, with a full workshop and performance programme running alongside its theatre shows. There is more to see across Co. Tyrone if you are making a day of it.

Good to know

• Date: Thursday, 23 July 2026
• Times: 10am to 12:30pm or 1:30pm to 4pm
• Venue: The Burnavon, Burn Road, Cookstown
• Price: £10 per child, ages 7 and up
• Book ahead as sessions are workshop-sized and limited in numbers