Thought Bubble have announced their final guests for this year's convention which is due to take place at Harrogate Convention Centre.
Thought Bubble is the UK's largest comic art festival that celebrates all things animation, comic, games and film.
It is an annual gathering of some of the most influential writers, artists and comic creators across the globe. Thought Bubble will feature artists whose stories are behind some of the biggest film and TV moments in history, with fans across the country flocking to the festival for such an occasion.
They have announced their final guests for this year's convention which is due to take place at Harrogate Convention Centre across Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 November 2023.
Special guests appearing at this year’s festival include comics legend Scott Snyder, known for American Vampire, Detective Comics, Batman and Swamp Thing as well as Gail Simone, best known for DC’s Bird of Prey, Batgirl & Wonder Woman.
Other notable guests include Yorkshire artist Tula Lotay (DC Comics, Marvel Entertainment, Image Comics, Warner Brothers), cartoonist Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead, 2000 AD), and New York Times bestselling comic book author James Tynion IV (Batman, Something is Killing the Children).
Image: Thought Bubble Festival
Tickets for Thought Bubble Festival are on sale now and are completely free for under 12s, carers and over 65s. Tickets give access to all events over the convention weekend including panels, workshops, guest signings, as well as access to three huge halls full of over 400 exhibitors, showcasing beautiful artwork from across the world.
If you're not free this weekend but still want a piece of the action then don't worry, as Thought Bubble Festival will be expanding to their hometown of Leeds with a full week of activities celebrating comics taking place from 4 - 11 November 2023.
Teaming up with LeedsBID, Thought Bubble will present a week of talks, workshops, exhibitions, public art installations, film screenings and much more across the city.
Chloe Green, Thought Bubble Festival Director:"We’re super excited to drop this bumper guest announcement. From DC and Marvel to indie creators, we’re bringing the best comic books artists and writers to Yorkshire, which always feels really special. Hope we to see you there!"
For a full list of guests, events and information on how to book your ticket, take a look at Thought Bubble's website.
Veteran Manchester rock and blues band Proud Mary recently announced a limited run of UK reunion shows, including one right here in Leeds.
The seasoned Northern outfit may have seen plenty of lineup changes and a long hiatus of sorts, but now they’re returning for just a small handful of comeback gigs across the country.
Ahead of their seminal debut album turning 25 years old this year, 2026 also seems them steadily creeping up on the best part of three decades as a group in some form or another.
For anyone uninitiated, the native 90s and early noughties name was the first band signed to Noel Gallagher’s Sour Mash Records in 2001.
Their first-ever LP, The Same Old Blues, still remains their most revered work to this day.
Dubbed by the older Burnage brother and legendary Manc musician as “a lesson in songwriting” in an interview with the NME way back when, they started out as long-time friends and turned into fellow studio peers.
As well as supporting the likes of Oasis, Neil Young, The Stereophonics, Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene, Ryan Adams, Noel’s High Flying Birds and more on various tours over the years, they also famously headlined Isle of Wight Festival in 2004.
Having collaborated with the likes of another Britpop legend, Gem Archer, as well as The Smiths’ Andy Rourke, not to mention gaining plaudits from so many other contemporaries, they’re likely one of your favourite bands’ old faithful bands.
Moreover, in regional terms, rising local indie rock quintet Rosellas are also joining them on the road for their shows.
Proud Mary will be playing at The Warehouse in Leeds on Friday 8 May and you can grab your tickets HERE.
Featured Images — Proud Mary (press shots supplied via Sonic PR)
Leeds
Independent Nordic-inspired homeware shop closes Leeds store after six years
Clementine Hall
After six years in the city, independent homeware retailer North Home is closing its Leeds city centre shop.
If you're a lover of all things home then you'll have most likely visited the gorgeous North Home shop in the Victoria Quarter.
Stacked to the brim with unique pieces from striking ceramics to stylish soft furnishings, North Home is known for its well-curated stock and great customer service.
Seriously, we've probably spent a good hour in here in awe of all the beautiful pieces.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Last week, curious shoppers noticed the three-storey store was suddenly empty and now the company have confirmed that they have closed for good.
In a statement, they said: "After nearly 6 wonderful years trading in Leeds, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our physical store while we restructure the business and explore the next chapter for North Home.
"Retail has changed significantly in recent years and, like many independent businesses, we’ve faced increasing costs.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Taking this step now gives us the opportunity to protect what we’ve built and focus on the future of the brand. North Home continues to operate online and all existing customer orders will be fulfilled as normal although delivery times may be slightly extended.
"We’ve loved being part of the Leeds retail community since 2020 and are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received. We hope to share more about our plans soon."
We'll be sad to see them go and we hope this isn't goodbye forever, but you can still shop from North Home online here.
Clementine Hall -
7th November 2022 
