Our showcase of the best of the north-west, Making it in Manchester demonstrates the impressive array of talent and incredible projects that make Manchester one of the nation’s premier animation hotspots. Join friends old and new and find out what makes Manchester the creative capital of the UK and why animation is at the heart of it.

Guests

Andrew Kavanagh is a multi-award-winning writer-director, producer, voice artist and show-creator. A seasoned show creator (Kiva Can Do!, Alva’s World, Wildernuts, Garth & Bev) most recently, Andrew has been spearheading Kavaleer Originals and developing a slate of new properties from preschool through adult animation, from digital-first through feature film. He launched his fifth original preschool show, ‘Adam Loves Adventure!’ in February 2026 and is working alongside Oscar-winning filmmaker John Boorman on the adaptation of his story ‘The Honey Wars.’

Kaylie Joy Black has built a career within stop-motion animation’s art departments. Her roles have included set builder, set designer, prop maker, set dresser and scenic painter.

Lorna Bailey is a stop-motion artist with 17 years of industry experience across award-winning films, television, and commercial productions. Her credits include Production Designer on Two Black Boys in Paradise and Art Director on BBC’s The Clangers and Scream Street. She has worked on adverts for McDonald’s, Apple, Toyota, Velvet and on acclaimed feature films such as The Boxtrolls, Frankenweenie, Isle of Dogs and Beetlejuice.

Photo (top) by Mylo Kaye on Unsplash

Making it in Manchester | Tuesday 10 Nov 2026 – 14:00 | Anthony Burgess Foundation | Runtime: 90 mins (approx.) | Tickets