We are committed to providing safe, accessible events for all to enjoy. We have given as much detail as possible below regarding accessibility and our policies, but should you have any specific requests or questions, please contact us to let us know: info@thoughtbubblefestival.com

COMIC CONVENTION

Accessibility and Wheelchair Access

Harrogate Convention Centre is where Thought Bubble Comic Convention is held, all events are under one roof with wheelchair access throughout. We follow the UK Event Accessibility Guide and our commitment to accessibility when creating our table layout, so you can expect all public spaces to be accessible from ground level or via a wheelchair accessible lift or ramp, that all entrance-ways are wide and clear, and wide aisles in clear straight lines in all convention venues.

More Detailed Convention Centre Information - At Harrogate Convention Centre we use Entrance 4 & Entrance 5, which are both on ground level with no steps or ramp. Inside, between two of our halls there are 4 steps, directly to the left and the right of these steps there are wheelchair lifts. Some panels and workshops are held in the Queen’s Suite, this is one level up via an escalator, to the right of this escalator is a lift for accessibility.

Accessible toilets can be found in the each walkway between halls. All will be clearly marked on our printed maps, and you can ask a redshirt volunteer for directions too.

Information on blue badge parking at the convention centre can be found here: harrogateconventioncentre.co.uk/visitors/parking

What to expect guide

We have a guide to Thought Bubble Comic Convention 2026 for those who are Autistic, have anxiety, sensory issues, access needs or generally just like to know what to expect. Here we talk through the layout of the convention centre, along with what you will find, feel or see. Download the document here.

Quiet Spaces

Bubs’ Lounge is our comic convention quiet space; developed in partnership with Leeds Specialist Autism Services it has tables and chairs and provides reduced sensory activities for all ages; read, draw or just have some quiet breathing time out of the busy convention centre space.

Bubs’ Lounge can be found in Queen’s Suite, which is a space with several different rooms. The space can be busy with people queuing for other events, and you may hear clapping or laughter from the other rooms as you pass by. Bubs’ Lounge will have a sign on it’s door, a volunteer can also direct you, please go right in! Inside Bubs’ Lounge the noise is kept to a minimum.

Supportive volunteers here can help if you’re feeling anxious or need assistance in any way.

Supportive Staff

Our volunteers in red t-shirts will be on hand at all times across our entire convention site to answer questions and offer support for whatever you need. Volunteers know all accessibility and protection policies. Thought Bubble volunteers are supported by and contact with onsite security, trained medics, venue representatives and our Thought Bubble core team who are always on hand to offer support. Should you require extra support at any point, please contact a redshirt volunteer who can contact the people you need speedily via radio.

Anti-Harrassment Policy

Thought Bubble Comic Art Festival is dedicated to providing a safe-space for everyone; regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, body size, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, political background, fandom or anything else. We hold a zero tolerance policy for harassment in any form. Our redshirt volunteers and core-staff are available throughout the weekend to anyone, should you need support, if you feel unsafe, uncomfortable or harassed. All exhibitors are also provided with core-staff contact numbers for the same reason.

In partnership with the Good Night Out Campaign, we have updated our policies and guidelines to ensure the comfort and safety of all our attendees. Please see our policy below for full details.

FESTIVAL WEEK EVENTS

During our festival week events take place in a variety of venues across Yorkshire. We will clearly list the accessibility options for each individual event.

If you have any questions, or need further information, you can email us at info@thoughtbubblefestival.com