When is Thought Bubble?

The Thought Bubble festival is November each year and runs across Leeds, Harrogate, Bradford and beyond. Thought Bubble Comic Convention is on the weekend at the end of our festival. Check our main page for specific yearly dates!

Who sponsors Thought Bubble?

Over the years we’ve had some amazing partners, including longtime partners Travelling Man. We also partner with a host of other organisations across comics, gaming, the creative arts and hospitality. If you’d be interested in sponsoring Thought Bubble you can find out all the information you need here.

What's going on at this year's Thought Bubble?

This year's Thought Bubble will be a week long festival of panels, workshops, screenings, exhibitions, academia, competitions, parties and general awesomeness, not to mention our massive two day convention on with over 400 exhibitors and special guests as well as a packed schedule of panels and talks. The full programme will be released closer to the festival each year.

I don’t know very much about comics. Where do I start?

There is no wrong place to start with comics! The comic book world is so broad you will definitely be able to find something that relates to one of your hobbies, interests or the genres of stories you like to read. Our top tip is to pop into your local comic shop and ask the staff for their recommendations based on the novels, films or a genre you like. Travelling Man are a great bunch and they have shops in Leeds, York, Manchester and Newcastle so we highly recommend giving them a go!

Whether its huge comic hero’s or self-published work, we hope you find something that you love!

​I'd love to volunteer with Thought Bubble; how can I do that?

Thought Bubble wouldn’t be possible without our intrepid team of volunteers who help things run smoothly, and we're a really close bunch.Check out our volunteering page for more information or contact volunteering@thoughtbubblefestival.com to apply.

​How can I keep up to date with Thought Bubble?

For real-time updates you can follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

Is there parking at the venue?

Yes, there is an underground car park at the venue and other parking areas throughout Harrogate. Check out the Harrogate Convention Centre website for more details about parking.  

What happens when I arrive at the convention? Where do I pick up my wristband?

Come to the main entrance (Entrance 4 on the map above) with the large pillars. On the door ticket sales and wristband collection are as you enter, just before the exhibition halls.

Where can I stay during the Thought Bubble convention?

There are tons of amazing places to stay in Harrogate to suit all budgets! There are lots of options within walking distance of the convention centre too. We suggest booking early as it gets very busy!

Do I have to bring cash or do exhibitors take card?

Probably both! Some exhibitors will accept card, but not all, so best to have options.

Where are the cash machines?

There is a cash machine immediately outside the convention centre entrance, as well as many on the main streets around the venue and on the route from Harrogate train station. We are in the centre of Harrogate so there will be machines readily available.

Do I get a new wristband every day?

The wristband you get when you arrive at the convention will be the only one you receive for the show, however they are very sturdy and will last the whole weekend. Please do not remove it! If you have any issues with your wristband speak to a volunteer.

Is there wifi available?

There may be limited public wifi in Harrogate but please do not expect to have access to this in the convention centre. Thought Bubble does not provide wifi over the convention.

Can I check in coats or bags at the convention centre?

Unfortunately not; if you are bringing bags or coats to the convention please be prepared to carry them with you.

Is there food and drink at the Thought Bubble Comic Convention?

Yes, there will be a range of foods available at the show itself at two cafe points. We are also in the centre of Harrogate with lots of cafes & restaurants at a range of price points within the immediate vicinity of the convention.

You are also welcome to bring your own food to the show, although please be considerate of the other attendees and exhibitors when eating or drinking on the show floor as there are obviously a lot of paper goods on display!

What hours is the Comic Convention open?

The convention is open from 10am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday.

When will guests and panels be announced?

Guests are announced throughout the year, so make sure to check out the guests page regularly or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. We will make a few big programme announcements as we get closer to the festival, but our main festival and convention programmes will be released in the months before the show. Again, our social media is the best place to look for updates on panels and other convention events!

​How can I find out when guests will be at the convention?

Most creators will be attending both days of the convention and will either have a table in one of the convention halls, or a slot at one of our signing tables. Specific panel and signing times will be posted closer to the convention!

Can I get guests to sign my stuff?

Most guests will happily sign your things if you ask nicely. Some will have specific signing slots where you can come and meet them, check our programme schedule for times and info. If you want to know if a specific guest will be doing sketches, or if they charge for signings/sketches, it's usually best to check their social media or ask them directly.

What should I expect in the panels at the Thought Bubble convention?

At Thought Bubble we have an exciting range of panel topics, from talks about the latest releases from special guests to masterclasses on writing, art and much more. This year we are also launching our new initiative for aspiring comic creators with an even bigger programme of educational and inspirational panels with your favourite creators. Our full convention events programme, including panels, will be available soon.

Can I take pictures and video?

Yes, but please ask permission before taking photographs and remember that cosplay does not equal consent. If someone asks you not to take photos of them or to delete photos that you have already taken, please respect them and do so. If you are making people uncomfortable then you will be asked to leave, so please be nice and respectful of other people. We want everyone to be able to have a good time.

Will others be taking pictures and video of me?

We hire our own official photographers to record the event. By attending comic convention you are agreeing to be photographed or videoed by our official photographers. However, we will only photograph or video children with specific signed consent from their parents.

When being photographed by other attendees, you have the right to refuse to be photographed or filmed and to ask people to delete photos or videos that they have already taken of you. If in doubt please talk to one of our amazing redshirt volunteers and they will be happy to help you resolve any issues surrounding photography and consent.

​Is the Thought Bubble convention wheelchair accessible?

We work hard to make Thought Bubble accessible. All of the comic convention exhibitor halls are wheelchair accessible. The main entrance into the convention halls is step free. There are 4 steps between two of the halls but there are wheelchair lifts either side of these steps. The aisles between tables within the convention venues are all at least 8ft wide to make it easy to get through for everyone. There are accessible toilets throughout the venue which will be clearly marked on the convention map. If you need further assistance, our redshirt volunteers will help. Find full accessibility information here.

Do you have baby changing and breastfeeding facilities?

Yep! Please check your convention map, or ask a redshirt volunteer who will happily guide you.

What should I do if my family gets separated at the convention?

If you don’t already have a pre-arranged meeting space then all you need to do is find a redshirt volunteer or member of staff (the ones with the radios!) and they will be able to help you find and reunite with your group.

What do I do if I lose or find something?

If you’ve lost something at the convention or found something that seemslost, then please let one of our redshirt volunteers know.

What do I do if I get hurt?

First-Aiders are on site; All you need to do is find a redshirt volunteer and they will be able to contact the right person.

What’s the difference between a normal ticket and a cosplay ticket?

If you are purchasing a cosplay ticket, you’ll need to attend the convention in cosplay for the ticket to be valid, but there is no obligation to join in the parade. AND, you don’t need to make your own costume! Every cosplayer is welcome, although please read our cosplay guidelines before planning your outfit.

What’s the difference between a normal ticket and a Friends of Thought Bubble ticket?

Friends of Thought Bubble is a special ticket that allows you to support our outreach programme. The ticket includes a huge goodie bag of exclusive merchandise and prints as well as free entry to the comic convention. Membership can be purchased for 1, 2 or 3 years. Find out more about Friends of Thought Bubble here.

I am eligible for a free ticket. How do I book and collect it?

Our free tickets for under 12s, over 65s and support workers are easy to collect! You can book them in advance on our ticket page. Under 12s will need to be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult (over the age of 18) and over 65s will need to bring proof of age, whether you book online or on the door.

Do you provide free tickets for my carer/support workers?

Yes we do! Carer/Support Worker tickets are valid with a paying ticket holder and you can book your support worker’s ticket in advance. Support workers; please bring proof of your role if possible, although we recognise that often support work is unpaid/unofficial; so please don’t worry if you don’t have “official” identification with you.

Can I buy tickets on the door at the weekend?

Absolutely; you can buy tickets at any time for the Thought Bubble Comic Convention. However, some ticket types may sell out so we recommend buying in advance to avoid disappointment!

Will there be a queue for tickets on the door?

At certain times of the day, yes. Especially in the mornings there can be large queues. It may be quieter later on in the day.

Do you accept card payments on the door?

Yes!

Who do I talk to if I have a query about my online ticket booking?

If your question isn’t answered in this FAQ, please email us at info@thoughtbubblefestival.com. Our other FAQs may also have the answer to your question.

Do you offer group booking discounts?

We sure do! You can benefit from 20% off for groups of 10-24 or 35% off for groups of 25+. Please email us to discus further.

I’m travelling to the convention, where would you recommend staying?

Harrogate has many amazing hotels that are really close to the convention centre. We don’t have an official hotel anymore, if you stay at any near the convention centre you’ll see lots of friend Thought Bubble faces there!

I’m travelling from outside the UK to attend Thought Bubble. Where is the best airport to fly into?

The closest airport to the Thought Bubble convention is Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), its only 12 miles away! You can get a taxi from here which takes 20 minutes and costs around £25, or the Airport Direct 747 Bus that runs to Harrogate Bus Station which is 5 minutes walk to the Convention Centre.

Leeds Bradford has regular flights to and from: Heathrow, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Prague, Rome, Berlin, Dublin and many more destinations!

Other airport options include Manchester Airport, which is 90minutes train or drive away. Or London Heathrow, which has direct trains to Harrogate or a flight to Leeds Bradford Airport.

Is there a loading area at the convention centre?

Yes. We will send out an email closer to the convention about loading permits for exhibitors who require them.

Where can I park during the convention?

The convention centre has a paid underground car park, and Harrogate has many other options. We will also contact exhibitors about a specific parking location closer to the event.

Is there wifi in the convention centre?

The convention centre does not provide wifi.

I’d like to run or be part of a panel at Thought Bubble, who do I talk to about this?

We love hearing from people interested in running panels at the con! If you have an idea please email info@thoughtbubblefestival.com with your proposal, including who you’d like to be on the panel! We have very limited panel space, so your proposal will be carefully curated.

I do not primarily make comics, can I exhibit at Thought Bubble?

Thought Bubble loves comics! That means that our main focus will always be comics and the people who make them. However, we welcome all creators, publishers and retailers to apply to Thought Bubble.

I didn’t get accepted for this year’s convention, can I get feedback?

Thought Bubble gets a lot of amazing applications every year, and often the reason for someone not being accepted is that we simply do not have space in our convention centre rather than a reflection on your work. The large volume of applications means that we are unable to give individual feedback, but we would love for you to keep trying! Our top tips for applications is to be clear, be confident and show us your comics.

​I'm an exhibitor but I'm not receiving any emails…

Some email providers capture mailing list emails and mark them as spam or put them in weird folders, so in the first instance please check this hasn’t happened to you. If you are definitely not receiving any emails from us, please email exhibitors@thoughtbubblefestival.com and we’ll fix it.

Can exhibitors use AI in artwork they plan to exhibit at the convention?

AI generated artwork has no place at Thought Bubble. Team TB is aware of this when curating the convention, but should an exhibitor withhold this kind of information and be found to be using AI in their work, we hold the right to cancel their appearance.

I want to run a Thought Bubble Festival event!

Amazing! We’re always excited to add more organisations and events to the Thought Bubble Festival fold! Please email info@thoughtbubblefestival.com with your event proposal.

Is there a cosplay changing room?

There isn’t a specific cosplay changing area.

Do I have to wear a wristband when I’m cosplaying?

Yes. It has to be visible at all times and must be worn around your wrist. It cannot be attached to props instead. You only get one wristband at the convention and you must wear it at all times, otherwise you will be refused entry into convention venues.

Do you allow imitation weapons as part of cosplay outfits?

If you intend to bring a replica weapon we require that it is entirely brightly coloured (as opposed to just having a bright orange safety tip). Anything with the size and shape of a real firearm could be considered a threat by the police and warrant a response, so this policy is in place so we can avoid this situation entirely. Please read the cosplay guidelines for more details and, if in doubt, leave your imitation weapons at home.

Is it ok that I didn’t make my own outfit?

Yes, absolutely! You can take part in the masquerade or just enjoy the convention in your cosplay if you’ve bought the items in store! The cosplay competition, however, requires costumes to be at least 50% handmade.

I’d like to buy one of your sketching spotlight pieces. How do I do this?

Our sketching spotlight pieces are put up for auction after the convention each year to raise money for Barnardo’s children’s charity. You can find out about our sketching spotlight auction by following our social media and keeping an eye out after the convention in November. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

How do I access the Thought Bubble and Rainbow Age library collections?

The Thought Bubble library collections are housed at Leeds Central Library & Bradford City Library. You’ll need a (free!) library card to be able to check books out which you can get here: (Leeds) (Bradford) Thanks again to all our amazing exhibitors for donating their work to the library collection, and to Travelling Man for donating books to the Rainbow Age collection for 4 years running!

I’d like to donate some books to your library collection. How do I do this?

Thank you for your generosity! That would be amazing. Please email info@thoughtbubblefestival.com and we’ll arrange this. Please also note that you can sign up with PLR to receive royalties on your books when they are checked out from libraries.

I’d like to donate some books to the Rainbow Age book collection. How do I do this?

Thank you! The Rainbow Age collection is a specialist collection of books that have LGBT+ themes and/or characters and serve as a repository for LGBT+ history and representation in comics. As above, please email info@thoughtbubblefestival.com if you’d like to donate a relevant book to the collection and we’ll arrange this. Please also note that you can sign up with PLR to receive royalties on your books when they are checked out from libraries.

I am an educator / librarian and would love to host a Thought Bubble workshop with my class / group. Who do I contact about this?

Please contact us at info@thoughtbubblefestival.com with details of your group and we’ll see if we can arrange a workshop for this year’s festival. We’re unable to guarantee this as it depends a lot on scheduling and how many other workshops we already have booked in, but we love doing these and they’re a core part of our mission as an organisation so we’ll do everything we can to facilitate it if you’re enthusiastic about hosting one.

I am a creator and am interested in attending a portfolio review. Who do I contact about this?

We regularly host portfolio reviews at Thought Bubble convention. To find out if there are portfolio reviews at this year’s show, keep an eye on our social media for announcements or our convention programme for an event listing. This will detail the arrangement for the portfolio review and what you need to do to secure a place.

I would like to attend and/or present a paper at Comics Forum. How do I do this?

You can buy your ticket to Comics Forum through their website or through the event listing on the festival programme. The theme for this year will be announced on the Comics Forum website so check back there for updates or follow them on social media (Twitter / Facebook). We’ll also do a call out on our social media when the call for papers is made.