Dundas to host this year’s Tees Zine Fest

Middlesbrough’s Dundas Shopping Centre has been chosen to host this year’s Tees Zine Fest.

It takes place on Saturday 28 March and will feature 14 stalls showcasing the work of zine makers from all over the North.  There will also be zine libraries, an art raffle and free workshops.  Co–Organiser Miki Rogers from Guisborough said zines are “old school social media”, allowing people to voice their opinions in print without the risk of online abuse.

Thousands of zines are produced in the UK every year.  They are self-published, handmade or photocopied booklets, usually targeting a niche audience or just providing the opportunity for the creator to let off steam.

“Zines are a really big thing now. There are zine communities all over the world and the reason for that is because people want to share their creativity, their interests and their passions,” explained Miki.

“There are no rules and they can be in any form you like.  Quite often people will use a zine to have a bit of a rant about something that bothers them or a way to share their art and creativity.”

Zines first became prominent in the UK in the 1970s and 80s, created by fans of Punk Rock music and football.  “They were very anti-establishment,” said Miki.  “People who worked in offices would make them on their break time. They would cut bits out of newspapers, type stuff up, stick it on the office photocopier and give them away for free.”

All of the zines on show at the Dundas will cost less than £5.

Miki is one of the driving forces behind a Community Interest Company called Tees Zine Works which, as well as running the Zine Fest, holds creative workshops for young people.  “It’s an accessible way of connecting them with the Arts,” said the 58-year-old who is a community arts worker, artist and illustrator.  

The two previous Tees Zine Fests attracted hundreds of visitors and David Harris, the Manager of Dundas Indoor Market, is looking forward to hosting the 2026 version.

“It’s a good fit with what we do here, with our independent and independently-minded traders,” he said.

It has been an exciting start to the year at the Dundas with the arrival of the Breadsticks Bakery, pet shop Paws & Treats and Steel River Comics. Party Pop Balloons will also open soon.

The Tees Zine Fest will run from 10am-4pm on Saturday 28 March, with the first hour designated a quiet time in consideration of people who struggle with noise and crowds.