Another comics festival is reborn for 2025! Full details on the welcome return of Caption in the press release below.
2025 sees the return of a vintage classic of the comic creative’s calendar- Oxford’s Caption.
Treasured by professionals and hobbyists alike, Caption ran from 1992 to the last show in 2017. Now a team of creatives with fond memories and future plans are bringing it back.
Caption is a different type of festival, based around a theme each year. The 2025 event is fittingly using the theme of REBIRTH, reemerging into a post-pandemic world awash with memorabilia focused conventions. Those who attended loved Caption’s more cosy and social ambiance, with no division between guests and attendees, no tables separating creators from fans, and no long queues for autographs.
Caption is shaped as much by its attendees as its committee- those who attend explore creativity through workshops, projects, wide ranging panel discussions, performances
and a culture that is more a meeting between like minded fans and creatives than the shopping-focused experience of contemporary conventions. The focus is on comics, including indie, alternative, and zine culture alongside the mainstream. This attitude of professionals and hard-working hobbyists sitting together informally has earned Caption much respect and affection through the years.
One of the things that is different about Caption is that while a comic selling area is available in the form of a communal sales table staffed by volunteers, it’s not the main focus of the event. It is more about creativity and not being afraid to have a go at things. Caption gives creators a chance to socialise, attend panels, workshops and network, and invites the public to become involved.
Caption is and always has been a non profit making event. The original funding was raised by all the committee members putting in £10 into a pot as a founding membership. Moving forward, proceeds will be used to fund future events throughout the year or to support comics-focused charities.
Relaunching the festival means that we are looking to raise funds through a mixture of advance ticket sales, crowdfunding, and applying for grants, while developing Caption into a regular annual event once more.
The team bringing back Caption are determined to create an inclusive and accessible festival where fans and creators feel valued and can have an inspiring weekend.
Further announcements regarding venue, guests and program details are to be announced in the next few months. In the meantime you can sign up to our email list and get updates about the show at https://captionfestival.co.uk/. To support the crowdfunding campaign go here.
