Comic Convention comes to Bedford

The event is hoping to inspire future writers and storytellers

Author: Ellie CloutePublished 15th Sep 2024

A comic convention has arrived in Bedford Borough.

The To Be Continued... inaugural event began yesterday, calling all comic book enthusiasts, manga aficionados, and serial fiction fans to the Bedford Corn Exchange and Bedford Central Library.

The event, run by Bub Chahal, owner of Close Encounters Comic Shop and organiser of To Be Continued... includes free events, as well as free tickets for local schools and discounts for students and children.

Accessibility and empowerment are key themes of the convention, which aims to encourage younger readers to discover the joy of genre fiction through engaging activities and workshops, whilst celebrating diversity through stories reflecting different backgrounds and experiences.

Mr Chahal said: “The aim of To Be Continued… is to make art and storytelling available to everyone in Bedford. It was important for us to provide access to the community at no cost, and so it was natural for us to partner with Bedford Central Library.

“It allows us to bring world-class storytellers to Bedford and provide a venue for the public to see them. We’re hoping it inspires the next generation of artists and readers in Bedford.”

"We're excited to welcome To Be Continued... to Bedford," says Councillor Sarah Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience, Leisure and Culture at Bedford Borough Council. "This innovative convention offers a fantastic opportunity for residents of all ages to explore the world of comics, manga, and serial fiction.

“The free panels at Bedford Central Library are a wonderful way to ignite a passion for storytelling and inspire the next generation of creative minds."

Topics included throughout the weekend are Doctor Who Across Space, Time, TV and Comics, Myths, Monsters and Magic, Judging A Book (Or Movie) By Its Cover, and more.

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