Countdown begins for Bexley's first Manga...

The packed line-up, that promises to bring the far-east to the south-east, will run throughout February and all events are free.

One of the key components of the festival is a range of popular anime films being shown at Cineworld, Bexleyheath, including screenings of three major new titles: Sky Crawlers, 5cm per second and K20:Legend of the Mask.

During the month Manga art workshops will provide budding artists with the chance to pick up new skills, TV's Chris Crudelli will run Ninja skills seminars and a Cosplay workshop will give Manga fans the opportunity to make costumes and props from their favourite comics.

Along with all this, there will be a Japanese cookery workshop, a Manga art competition and Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokemon events. Some of the workshops and events come with free gifts and the chance to win special prizes.

The programme - with full details of the month's events - is available from all libraries across the borough and online on the Council's website at www.bexley.gov.uk

Places can be booked through any one of Bexley's libraries, or by calling 020 8303 7777 (option 4), or by texting the event title, date and name and age to 07837 269967 or email bam@bexley.gov.uk

The BAM festival is the result of efforts by young people who belong to the Bexley Manga Network that meets fortnightly at Central Library, Bexleyheath.

Cabinet Member for Leisure, Arts and Culture, Cllr Peter Catterall said; "This festival is a real coup for Bexley. The young people from the network have worked extremely hard alongside the library service to secure world renowned anime and manga artists and experts. I hope that the films, workshops and special events will attract young people to Bexley from across the country."

The Bexley Manga Network is for young people aged 13-19 and is free to join. Meetings are every other Thursday from 6-7pm at Central Library, Bexleyheath. Newcomers are always welcome.

Funding for the BAM festival came from Bexley's Youth Council.

For more information about the BAM Festival or Bexley Manga Network, contact Paul Fisher, Library Development Officer on 020 8309 4135 or by email to paul.fisher@bexley.gov.uk or search BAM Festival News on Facebook.