Thought Bubble 2021: Final Programme And Covid-19 Guidelines
by Olly MacNamee
After the dust has settled and some of the bigger overseas guest have had to cancel, or been cancelled, Thought Bubble have solidified their guest list and festival schedule, including the all important weekend long comic book convention. The week-long festival starts on Monday 8th November with the convention once again returning to the impressive an immense Harrogate Convention Centre in Harrogate, Yorkshire. Think Leeds, but posher.
“Guests appearing at this year’s festival include acclaimed US comic book artist Joëlle Jones (Wonder Woman, Batman, Lady Killer), iconic British artist Jock (2000 AD, The Wytches, Wolverine), Jordanian-American artist, illustrator and creative director Sara Alfageeh (Squire) and multi-award winning artist, Christian Ward (Invisible Kingdom, Superman: Red and Blue, Thor) among many more.”
For a full list of the guests check out the guest page here.
“The festival has also shared its full panel and workshop programme including ComiXology Originals presents: CONversations with Tula Lotay and Jock as well as Rewriting Extinction – Comics to Save the World, YA Got It! – Young Adult Comic Spotlight and Strip Panel Naked – where creators James Tynion IV, Charlot Kristensen break down pages from their work and discuss how they created the writing, art, colours and lettering, and how those choices end up affecting the reader.”
Check out the programme for panels and times here, workshops here. and signings here.
Plus, there’s much more to do than just the comic convention if you are anywhere near Harrogate that week:
“In the run-up to the comic convention, the festival week includes a whole host of events including exhibitions and installations from the students of Leeds Arts University, schools workshops with JAKe and Kim-Joy (Great British Bake Off), drawing socials, a huge comics giveaway in libraries all across Yorkshire, and an exclusive Northern launch of Cecil Castellucci and Charlotte Marlow’s opera, The Language of Flowers.”
For those, like me, travelling to the convention please do remember the all importnat guidelines, especially as cases in the UK are on the rise:
“Thought Bubble remains committed to delivering their event with sensible and careful policies in place to combat the spread of covid-19. The festival has announced that all those over the age of 18 will need proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative test within the last 48 hours to gain entrance to convention and, unless medically exempt, masks must be worn by everyone over the age of 12 while on-site.
Alongside these entry requirements, this year’s convention will take place over more of Harrogate Convention Centre than ever before, allowing for more space and less congestion, while the number of exhibitors has been reduced to allow for easier movement throughout the convention halls. Working with their event and industry partners, Thought Bubble is doing all it can to create an environment that is safe while remaining fun, relaxed and welcoming for all.”
So, as well as packing those comics to be signed, do remember to pack a few masks too. And, I’ll leave the last word to Thought Bubble Festival Manager, Chloe Green:
“Now we are on the home-straight, I want to say a huge thank you to every single ticket holder, exhibitor and guest who has put their faith in us over the last 18 months. It really feels like the community has pulled together, more than it has done before, and we cannot wait to show you what Thought Bubble 2021 has for you!”
