We are committed to providing safe, accessible events for all to enjoy. We have given as much detail as possible below regarding accessibility and our policies, but should you have any specific requests or questions, please contact us to let us know: info@thoughtbubblefestival.com

ACcessibility and Wheelchair Access

Harrogate Convention Centre is where Thought Bubble Comic Convention is held, all events are under one roof with wheelchair access throughout. We follow the UK Event Accessibility Guide and our commitment to accessibility when creating out table layout, so you can expect: All public spaces to be accessible from ground level or via a wheelchair accessible lift or ramp, that all entrance-ways are wide and clear, and wide aisles in clear straight lines in all convention venues.

Specific Harrogate Convention Centre Accessibility information - Our entrances (Entrance 4 & Entrance 5) to the convention centre are on ground level, with no steps or ramp. Inside, between Redshirt Hall and DSTLRY Hall there are 4 steps, there are wheelchair lifts to the left and right of these steps. Accessible toilets can be found behind the ticket desk at Entrance 4, there are two in the walkway between DSTLRY Hall and Bubbleboy Hall and one in the walkway between Bubbleboy Hall and Travelling Man Hall. All will be clearly marked on our printed maps, and you can ask a redshirt volunteer for directions too.

Information on blue badge parking at the convention centre can be found here: harrogateconventioncentre.co.uk/visitors/parking

Accessibility for Festival Events - During our festival week events take place in a variety of venues across Yorkshire. We will clearly list the accessibility options for each individual event.

QUIET SPACEs and sensory OVerload

Bubs’ Lounge is our comic convention quiet space; developed in partnership with Leeds Specialist Autism Services it has soft furnishings and provides reduced sensory activities for all ages; read, draw or just have some quiet breathing time out of the busy convention centre space. Bubs’ Lounge is staffed by supportive volunteers who can help if you’re feeling anxious or need assistance in any way. Here you can also collect free ear-plugs and sunglasses to help with sensitivity overload. Please consult your convention map, or ask a volunteer for directions.

Supportive Staff

Our volunteers in red t-shirts will be on hand at all times across our entire convention site to answer questions and offer support for whatever you need. Volunteers know all accessibility and protection policies. Thought Bubble volunteers are supported by and contact with onsite security, trained medics, venue representatives and our Thought Bubble core team who are always on hand to offer support. Should you require extra support at any point, please contact a redshirt volunteer who can contact the people you need speedily via radio.

ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY

Thought Bubble Comic Art Festival is dedicated to providing a safe-space for everyone; regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, body size, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, political background, fandom or anything else. We hold a zero tolerance policy for harassment in any form. Our redshirt volunteers and core-staff are available throughout the weekend to anyone, should you need support, if you feel unsafe, uncomfortable or harassed. All exhibitors are also provided with core-staff contact numbers for the same reason.

In partnership with the Good Night Out Campaign, we have updated our policies and guidelines to ensure the comfort and safety of all our attendees. Please see our policy below for full details.

If you have any questions, or need further information, you can email us at info@thoughtbubblefestival.com