Event - True Believers Comic Festival

It's nearly here! True Believers Comic Festival hits Cheltenham Racecourse tomorrow from 11 am. Here’s what you can look forward to on the day...

We got excited when we heard about the True Believers Comic Festival back at the end of last year and even more excited when we found out it was one of our own, Stuart Mulrain, who was involved with it. So much so that we interviewed him about it here. Now it’s actually happening tomorrow and the Defective Inspector is dusting off his travel clip board and checking his pocket protector for pens to bring us reports and interviews from the event itself.

So who and what can he and you expect to see on the day?

The guest list provides a wide range of opportunities to listen and talk to comics creators, writers and illustrators who have worked on both big name (such as 2000AD) as well as creator owned and self-published comics, showing the diversity of material and talent out there. The panel subjects are varied and interesting and will appeal to not only the hardened comics fan but also those keen to find out more with notable names such as Paul Cornell, Mike Garley and John Paul Bove in attendance.

PANELS FOR THE DAY

11:30am - CELEBRATE COSPLAY presents BEHIND THE MASK: DEVELOPING COSPLAY

Cosplaying can sometimes be a daunting prospect. How do you know which character is right for you to cosplay as? Do you have to make your costume for it to be a proper cosplay or can you buy a costume? Join some of our cosplay guests as they talk about the art of choosing and developing a cosplay.

On This Panel: Tris Trinket, KuroStylr, Limegreenjelly, GCC, and Ambersaurus


12:15am - DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW 2016

One of the best things about going to comic book events is seeing all of the new and different small press and independent comic books available to buy at the tables.  This panel celebrates that and gives you the chance to hear from 4 creators as they talk to you about their work, answer your questions and maybe help you to discover your new favourite comic book as well.

On This Panel: Sarah Millman, Sam Roads, Mike Garley, and Deadstar Publishing. Moderator - Simon Litchfield


13:00pm - Comics as Education: Inspiring Creativity

The educational benefits of comics in encouraging people to read have been discussed a lot in the last few years, but comics are also a great educational tool in encouraging people to create stories and art. PAUL DUFFIELD, TIM QUINN, KATE BROWN & JOHN-PAUL BOVE will talk about how comics have inspired them to create and maybe inspire you to create something too.

On This Panel: Paul Duffield, Tim Quinn, Kate Brown and John-Paul Bove. Moderator - Olly MacNamee

13:45pm - "FAR MORE THAN JUST A TIME LORD" - THE DOCTOR WHO PANEL

Join True Believers Guests PAUL CORNELL, RACHAEL SMITH, EMMA VIECELI and MIKE COLLINS in celebrating the Universe’s favourite Time Lord! The panel will see our guests answer your questions and share stories of working on Doctor Who in comics, books and TV.

On this Panel: Paul Cornell, Rachael Smith, Emma Vieceli and Mike Collins.


16:15pm - The PCG presents COMICS IN JUST A MINUTE!

Comics In Just A Minute is a fun panel gameshow (in the tradition of the BBC Radio game show Just A Minute), that sees 5 contestants talk for a minute about a comics topic without repetition, hesitation or deviation.... Following on from her victory at Melksham Comic Con (2 years in a row), reigning champion SONIA LEONG will defend her title against 4 new challengers, including PAUL CORNELL, MIKE COLLINS, FAYE SIMMS and STEPHEN THOMPSON

Contestants: Sonia Leong, Paul Cornell, Mike Collins, Faye Simms and Stephen Thompson
Moderator: Paradox Comics Group

The trading tables are also fully booked up with everything from creators to artists to publishers to model shops to T-Shirts to CAKES represented. So you can’t say there will be nothing there of interest as you walk around the busy stalls. You can find a complete table plan on the True Believers website at http://oktruebelievers.com/hauntednerd/2016/1/21/table-plan

Alongside the guests and traders for the day, you’ll find an area dedicated to Tabletop Gaming with Celebrate Tabletop, run by Proud Lion who will be demonstrating a selection of games on the day across 7 tables up in the balcony. 

There’s also a whole hall dedicated to Celebrate Cosplay which features cosplay guests (who will be on hand to pose for photos and talk cosplay), a cosplay catwalk and these mini workshops and talks 

12:45pm - SEWING WORKSHOP

This workshop offers you the chance to learn the basics behind sewing your own costume. From material choices to the basic sewing essentials, if you never picked up a sewing needle before, or just need an extra bit of knowledge about sewing, this is the workshop for you. With Limegreenjelly

14:00pm - POSING WORKSHOP

Ahead of the 2016 Cosplay Catwalk, learn how to master the art of posing in character for the stage and photography. We will be looking at how to pose as the perfect villain and hero! With Tris Trinket and KuroStylr

14:30pm - THE CELEBRATE COSPLAY CATWALK

Back for a second year, the Celebrate Cosplay Catwalk offers cosplayers of all ages and skill set the chance to show off their skills in front of a crowd. There's no prize, it's just for fun. With all of the featured cosplayers and you (get your registration form from reception when you arrive)

15:45pm - WIGS WORKSHOP

This workshop will look at the basics of wigs! How to get started styling your own, essential equipment, care and storage tips, as well as a few of GCC's personal favourite tricks and methods! With GCC

16:30 - MAKE-UP WORKSHOP

Want to know what make up you need for your cosplay kit? This workshop will provide you with the foundations of having photo ready skin. With Tris Trinket

You are positively encouraged to dress up for the Festival and can also check out the official Celebrate Cosplay Facebook Page and the official Facebook event page for Celebrate Cosplay at #TBCF2016 which can be found here.

So there’s plenty to do and plenty to see at the True Believers Comic Festival, on tomorrow at Cheltenham racecourse, the doors open at 11 am. If you're going, tweet us at @Garbage_File and use the hashtag #TBCF2016

TICKETS – CASH ONLY on the door

ADULT - £12
CHILD (aged 4-14) - £5
FAMILY - £30
CARER - £5 (when accompanying the person they are caring for)
STUDENTS - £10 (when showing a valid student ID)

Children under 3 can attend the event for free as long as they are with a paying adult.
Find out more on their website at http://oktruebelievers.com/

Images - True Believers Comics Festival