Hello,
Here it is! The big BIG email with all the important information for exhibiting at Thought Bubble Comic Convention 2026.
⭐ PLEASE ENSURE YOU READ IN FULL ⭐
You’re receiving this e-mail as the primary exhibitor, this means you are responsible for distributing this information to all those who may be joining you at your table for set-up or break-down.
Whether you’ve exhibited with us before or not, it is extremely important that you read this email in full as there is new information that is key to the event’s smooth and safe running! Thank you so much!!
There is a LOT of information, so please set some time aside to read thoroughly.
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THE VENUE
The full address is: Entrance 4 OR Entrance 5, Harrogate Convention Centre, King's Road, Harrogate HG1 5LA.
TRANSPORT LINKS: How to get to Thought Bubble Comic Convention.
ACCESSIBILITY: Both Entrance 4 and 5 are on ground level, with no steps or ramp. Inside, between Redshirt Hall and The 2000 AD Hall there are 4 steps. Directly to the left and right of these steps there are wheelchair lifts. All other exhibitor halls are on ground level, with accessibility toilets found throughout. Further access information can be found on our website: thoughtbubblefestival.com/everyonesfestival
SET UP & BREAK-DOWN TIMES
The best entrance for set-up based on your hall:
Redshirt Hall or The 2000 AD Hall - Entrance 4 (what3words ///edgy.bands.soup)
Bubbleboy Hall or Travelling Man Hall - Entrance 5 (what3words ///cute.mostly.hunt)
SET-UP/ EXHIBITOR ONLY ENTRY TIMES:
Friday 13 November 16:00 - 19:00
Saturday 14 November 08:00 - 09:50
Sunday 15 November 09:00 - 09:50
PUBLIC OPENING TIMES:
Saturday 14 November 10:00 - 18:00
Sunday 15 November 10:00 - 17:00
BREAK-DOWN TIMES:
Sunday 15 November 17:10 - 18:30
All aisles and spaces need to be clear and ready for the doors opening to the public by 09:50 each day. The convention will close its doors at 17:00 on Sunday. For safety reasons, you cannot begin to pack down until after this time.
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CONVENTION SAFETY
ENTRY TIMES - All exhibitors must be inside the convention centre before 9:50am on both days.
The public queues begin entering the convention centre at 10am. It will be difficult for you to get through the doors at that time, so please arrive before 9:50am, and show your pass on the door to gain entry.
CLOSING BREAK-DOWN - The convention will close its doors at 17:00 on Sunday, you cannot begin to pack down until this time. Please wait until all members of the public have left the convention centre.
All members of the public must have left the convention centre before take-down begins; this includes bringing in trolleys. If you pick up your trolley before the public have left the building, security will not allow you to re-enter until the building is clear of visitors.
FOOTWEAR- During set-up and break-down times everyone inside the convention centre must wear closed-toe, sturdy sensible footwear.
This means you cannot wear high heels, Crocs, sandals, pumps (e.g. canvas shoes like Converse Chuck Taylors are not permitted).
HI-VIS VEST/JACKETS- During set-up and break-down everyone inside the convention centre must wear a hi-vis jacket/vest.
You will not be able to enter the convention centre if you are not wearing hi-vis. Please bring your own and have it ready to wear upon entry.
We will have some available for sale for those unable to bring their own, however numbers will be limited so please try to bring one of your own (they are fairly cheap online and very compact!).
CHILDREN AND BABIES - Those under 16 years old are not permitted inside the convention centre during the set-up and break-down times detailed above. Once the doors are open to the public, children of all ages are welcome.
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SIGNING IN AND YOUR EXHIBITOR PASS
Exhibitor sign-in and accreditation will be located at both Entrance 4 and Entrance 5 at the following times:
Friday 13 November 16:00 - 19:00
Saturday 14 November 08:00 - 09:30
The primary exhibitor will need to sign in and collect passes for the entire table. Have your table name, number and hall name to hand so we can tick you off easily. Your pass must be worn at all times while in the convention halls.
Sign in and pick up your pass as you enter. You must wear your lanyard or wristband when inside the convention centre, it shows the HCC staff and Security that you are verified to be in the building. Please take care of your pass as we do not have spares.
If you still require extra exhibitor passes at this time please pre-book general weekend or day passes through the website.
ARRIVAL
LOADING WITH A VEHICLE
If you are arriving at the convention centre to load or unload stock from a vehicle you are required to book a time slot through the convention centre online vehicle booking system, Mobiledoc, which you can access here: thoughtbubblefestival.com/hccloading
NO VEHICLE WILL BE PERMITTED ACCESS TO LOADING AREAS WITHOUT A BOOKING.
If you have any questions about loading please contact: mobiledock@harrogateconventioncentre.co.uk
LOADING ON FOOT
If you are arriving on foot (i.e. without a car!), with a trolley, suitcase or carrying boxes, you can come to the venue at any point during the set-up times above, at either Entrance 4 or 5, whichever is most convenient for your table location.
In urgent situations you can contact: Steve (+44)7760 206 622 (Text or call, we will be busy but will help where we can!).
PARKING
Parking is available at a variety of locations around Harrogate. Due to this being a town centre location we strongly advise planning your journey and parking spot ahead of the convention dates.
Blue badge parking is available at the convention centre itself.
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Reminder: Bringing food into the Convention Centre
Harrogate Convention Centre has implemented rules regarding bringing food into the convention centre. All food and drink that is allowed on site is for personal consumption only.
Permitted: Cold pre-packed food (e.g. sandwiches, salads), snacks, and drinks. Hot drinks purchased offsite.
Not permitted: Hot food purchased outside the convention centre. Alcohol.
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CONVENTION RULE SUMMARY
A short summary of things to remember when setting up, breaking down, and throughout the convention weekend:
During Set-up and Break-down:
Everyone must wear a hi-vis jacket/vest.
Everyone must wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes.
No children under 16 permitted.
Please wear your lanyard or wristband at all times
General:
You must not attach fixtures of any kind to the walls.
Ensure your table display is safe and secure at all times. Table displays should be no more than 4ft tall.
No stock, displays or objects should encroach into aisle space, in front of, or to the side of your tables.
Ensure you aren’t blocking or intruding on your neighbours' space, be mindful and kind!
Keep the area behind your tables extra tidy so there is no risk of trips or falls, and space for everyone to move freely in the exhibitor spaces
No adult material is permitted to be displayed. Adult material is classified as nudity and extreme violence/gore, this also extends to adult language. Please keep sensitive items out of sight, e.g. under your table, safely censored and/or sealed.
Access to all fire exits must be kept clear at all times.
All food and drink that is allowed on site is for personal consumption only.
Please take home as much rubbish and excess packaging as you can, it really helps us out!
EXHIBITOR COMFORT AND SAFETY
Thought Bubble holds a zero tolerance policy for harassment in any form. If you feel unsafe, uncomfortable or harassed do not hesitate to tell a redshirt volunteer, or a core member of staff. Your safety and comfort is our priority.
If you would prefer (or need) to do this discreetly you can message one of the core staff members on the numbers below. Just let us know your name, table location and how we can help:
Martha - (+44) 7585 504 763
Chloë - (+44) 7792 862 561
Amy - (+44) 7975 632 848
Steve - (+44) 7760 206 622
We suggest saving these numbers into your phone for easy access and use. Please do only use these numbers for general enquiries.
A FINAL MESSAGE FROM TEAM THOUGHT BUBBLE
Thought Bubble Comic Convention is an exciting, wonderful, inspiring weekend! It can pass by in the blink of an eye or be an overwhelming blur, so remember to take in the show itself. Take a look around, say hi to some people, buy some stuff, meet your internet friends in 3D! It's all really good, we promise. And everyone is dead nice!
Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of breaks too. Take a moment away from your table to get a cold drink and a snack. Ask a kind neighbour to mind your table to take an extra breather, and do the same in return if you are able. The convention centre has water fountains, so bring your refillable bottles to help stay hydrated. There are also two cafes, one in The 2000 AD Hall and the other in Bubbleboy Hall. Just outside the doors there are take-aways, shops and cafes if you want to take a bigger break from the hall space (just don’t bring any hot food back in with you). Remember: stretch, sit, and snack!
If you need an extra quiet break you can head up to Bub’s Lounge. There is space here to sit, draw and zone out. Exhibitors are also welcome in the Graphic Novel Reading Room in the Queen’s Suite Foyer to relax and read!
If you are posting photos of your table, the work you’re selling, or just your nice face, tag us on Instagram, Bluesky and/or Facebook - we will try our best to share what we can!
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Are you new to Thought Bubble? Are you attending solo? Do you want to make more comic-making friends? Then head to our Exhibitor Social on Saturday 14 November 19:00 - 23:00 at The Library Room, The Old Swan Hotel. There will be a quiet space for you to mingle amongst fellow comic creators! Come ready and willing to chat!
As always, you’re invited to our Mid-Con Party on Saturday night! Maybe see you there?
If you don’t fancy the BIG party, we can also recommend Major Tom’s Social, Cold Bath Brewing Co, Paradise Tap & Taco and North Bar as cool places where TB folk hang out.
Have fun, be nice, sell loads of comics!!
Love, as always,
Team Thought Bubble