Calling all comic book enthusiasts, manga aficionados, and serial fiction fans. Bedford Borough Council is thrilled to support the inaugural "To Be Continued..." (TBC...) convention, a two-day celebration of genre fiction taking place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September at Bedford Corn Exchange and Bedford Central Library.
"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."
To Be Continued... is committed to creating an open and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. The convention aims to:
Encourage younger readers to discover the joy of genre fiction through engaging activities and workshops.
Celebrate diversity by promoting stories that reflect different backgrounds and experiences.
Provide lasting benefits by donating books, comics, and manga to local libraries and schools.
Make the event accessible by offering free events, minimal entry fees for children and students, and free tickets for local schools.
Bub Chahal, owner of Close Encounters Comic Shop and organiser of To Be Continued…, 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.”
Bedford Central Library will host a series of exciting free panels throughout the weekend. These panels, open to the public, will explore a variety of topics, including:
Doctor Who Across Space, Time, TV and Comics
Diverse Voices
Battle Action!
Myths, Monsters and Magic
Judging A Book (Or Movie) By Its Cover
Page to Screen & Back Again
Storyboarding Video Games, Films & Comics
Fantasy In 2024
Worldbuilding
Join the Adventure!
For more information about To Be Continued..., including a full schedule of events and ticket details, visit https://tbcbedford.com/. Tickets for the free library panels can be collected in advance from Bedford Central Library during staffed hours or the Close Encounters shop, Allhallows, Bedford. The What3words location for Close Encounters is ///wacky.gift.frozen.
Don't miss this thrilling opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of genre fiction!