It's one of the most beloved events in the global comics calendar, and it's coming to Yorkshire this November.
Thought Bubble, the UK’s largest comic art festival and the highlight of the year for film, gaming and comic fans in Yorkshire, has confirmed it will be going ahead with a physical festival in 2021.
Due to take place at Harrogate Convention Centre on 13th and 14th November, the festival has just revealed some huge announcements for its lineup.
These include iconic American comic book writer Frank Miller, best known for his work on Sin City, The Dark Knight Returns and Dare Devil. Miller will appear alongside Eisner-nominated artist and writer, Joëlle Jones (Wonder Girl, Lady Killer), and multi-award-winning Thor artist Christian Ward.
And there's more. Leading comics figures such as Megdalene Visaggio, Doug Braithwaite, Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, Peter Krause, Sarah Graley, Matt Ferguson and Emma Vieceli are also set to attend.
The convention takes place over a weekend and will include hundreds of comic-creating exhibitors.
On top of this, there'll be panels, workshops, screenings taking place throughout the festival. We even hear there's an opera on the cards.
The event is scheduled to take place after the planned dropping of covid restrictions in the UK, however organisers are still being incredibly mindful about guests' safety.
Alongside the main festival and comic convention, there will also be a number of special projects taking place throughout the summer across Yorkshire.
These will include a series of ‘Thought Bubble Socials’ with the Belgrave Music Hall and Pop-up Bubs Lounge at The Beck and Call pub in Leeds and Deershed Festivals ‘Base Camp’ event in North Yorkshire.
Speaking on the upcoming festival, festiva; manager Chloe Green said: “It’s incredibly tempting to run screaming with excitement towards Thought Bubble 2021 when we have a line-up like this, instead we are cautiously edging towards those convention doors with so much hope.
"The comics community is bursting to get together, and we cannot wait to be with you all again!”
Tickets for Thought Bubble Comic Convention are on sale now with free admission for the under 12s, carers and over 65s, giving access to all events within the comic convention; panels, workshops, guest signing and the three huge halls of comic creating exhibitors, publishers.
Tickets can be purchases via the Thought Bubble website.
News
A new bar dedicated to Guinness and games is coming to Leeds city centre
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Leeds City Council granted £1.6m to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas
Clementine Hall
A £1.6m grant has been given by the government to Leeds City Council to help tackle rough sleeping.
The funding has been allocated to Leeds City Council as part of the Government’s national Rough Sleeping Programme.
The overall target is to help rough sleepovers off the streets by Christmas through providing safe accommodation.
The council have said that voluntary organisations and charities will be able to help them reach this target.
The council report said: "This funding will be used for immediate interventions to ensure all those rough sleeping have an offer of accommodation by Christmas and support longer term sustainment of accommodation.
“The initial target is to provide a suitable offer of accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping by Christmas 2026.
“Providing a path into supported accommodation and independent living is the key objective and sustaining this independent living with, where necessary, ongoing support to prevent any return to rough sleeping and homelessness.”
The government announcement spoke of the scheme: "The programme is intended to support people experiencing rough sleeping.
"People experiencing rough sleeping may have differing entitlements to housing and support depending on their individual circumstances, including their immigration status and eligibility for public funds."
The funding is intended to help provide immediate support for people currently sleeping on the streets, while also helping them access longer-term accommodation and the support needed to maintain independent living.
By working with local charities and voluntary organisations, the council hopes to ensure people are not only offered a place to stay but are also given the help they need to avoid returning to the streets.
Georgina Pellant -
3rd June 2021 
