Reworked Updated 20/03/2026
1. Language
Throughout this document, we will be using the following words to describe the various people who attend PrideCAF.
- Attendants: Anyone who is attending the festival who is not a volunteer, exhibitor, guest or organiser.
- Committee: A committee of volunteers who the organisers are collaborating with to improve the festival.
- Exhibitors: Anyone who is exhibiting work during the festival.
- Guests: People who have been invited by the organisers to speak at the festival.
- Member of staff/Event staff: This could mean any volunteer or organiser.
- Organisers: The main organisers of the festival, these people will generally have the final say if any decision needs to be made.
- Volunteers: People who are helping steward the festival.
2. Our Organisation
Pride Comic Art Festival (PrideCAF) is a wholly owned venture of Rough Sketch Productions LTD. Rough Sketch Productions LTD is a not for profit business that creates and runs events, like PrideCAF, for the LGBTQIA+ community, helping to promote and engage in art and theatre. All payments, donations and other income from PrideCAF is used so it can continue being a free event for the public and affordable for exhibitors.
3. Exhibiting
3.1 Applying to be an exhibitor
Applying does not automatically grant you a place at PrideCAF. Exhibitors must fill out all required sections of the form and provide examples of work that is their own or have full permission to exhibit from the original creator.
- Exhibitor(s) under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
- Exhibitor(s) must identify somewhere under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella.
- Exhibitor(s) must only exhibit their own work or work with full permission from the creator.
If you are part of a creative group with members who are not part of the community, you may still apply as long as the majority of the group identify as LGBTQIA+.
3.2 Types of work allowed
The festival is to celebrate LGBTQIA+ individuals and their work, not just if that work is focused on LGBTQIA+ themes. However, comics and zines focusing on romance and erotica are more likely to be accepted if LGBTQIA+ stories are the focus. As this is a Comic Art Festival, comics, graphic novels, illustrated books, and zines will take higher priority when selecting applicants. Illustrations, prints, badges, charms are also allowed but will take lower priority.
You may share, sell, or distribute fan‑made artwork as long as you have created it. Exhibitors are solely responsible for ensuring that the content does not infringe on the intellectual property rights of any third party. Rough Sketch Productions LTD is not liable for any claims, damages, or disputes arising from copyright, trademark, or other IP violations related to exhibitors’ work.
3.2.1 Mature and adult content
Since this event welcomes people of all ages, adult content is permitted but must be properly censored. If your work includes mature themes, please clearly label it and include appropriate warnings. You can show subtle signs at your table, such as “Ask me about my 18+ content,” for interested adult visitors. Sharing or selling adult material to anyone under 18 is not allowed. Anyone doing so will be asked to leave immediately without a refund, and authorities may be called if necessary. If you’re unsure or have any questions, please get in touch with us at hello@pridecaf.co.uk.
3.3 Types of work not allowed
The following types of work are not allowed to be sold or shown at PrideCAF. If your application consists of any of the items below, your application will be denied.
- Work not created by you without permission from the original creator to sell.
- Work discriminating other groups or people or promoting hate speech.
- A.I. generated content both in art work and written word.
f you are found to have fabricated your application with intention to deceive the organisers on what you plan to display/sell your application will be revoked. We do not question or gate keep peoples’ sexual or gender identities or how they wish to represent themselves. If it is found you do not identify anywhere under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella your application will be revoked. If the application is revoked after payment for a table has been received no refund will be issued.
3.4 Supplying your work
You will be required to send us examples of your work which can be via email, a website or social media. You don’t have to fill all links but we will require at least two examples for a successful application. We may ask for progress evidence.
If your application is successful your links and socials will be advertised on our social media and website unless you state otherwise in the application, so make sure all links are correct. If you don’t have work available online you can still apply but will be required to email examples to hello@pridecaf.co.uk with your full name or table name that you applied with as the subject header.
3.5 Tables
When applying please select the size table you wish to have on the day. Our prices are as follows:
- Full Table – £45 (Full specs: 183L x 76W x 74H cm)
- Half Table – £22.50
Prices include one provided table and two chairs as standard. Additional chairs can be provided at no extra cost, however we may not be able to supply them due to space restrictions. Bringing your own tables and chairs is not generally permitted due to health and safety; however, if you have any concerns about our tables or chairs not meeting your access requirements please contact us at hello@pridecaf.co.uk.
We are happy for two artists/groups to share a full table (half each) as long as both provide required information in the application form.
Half tables occupants will be selected by the Organisers and Committee as to which exhibitors will be sharing together. PrideCAF will pair together those who are most suited to each others’ work (e.g One exhibitor who draws light-hearted, family friendly content won’t be paired with someone who draws adult themes).
If your application is accepted you will be sent an invoice for your priced table and have 14 days to pay in full. Payments are to be made via bank transfer. Alternative payments methods can be discussed with the exception of PayPal, due to their unclear terms and conditions.
If any exhibitor is found selling items that are not allowed at the event (listed above) they will be asked to leave the venue without refund. Anyone found selling their work at a table or within the venue they did not originally apply or pay for will be asked to leave the venue and barred from future events. If you are successful in your application and have paid for your table but later decide you wish to share with another exhibitor to share costs please get in contact with us ASAP at hello@pridecaf.co.uk. We are happy for people to share costs but we will require contact information and examples of work for the new exhibitor. PrideCAF have the right to deny anyone being part of the event who they are not aware of displaying/selling their work on the day.
We will aim to supply sufficient room for at least three people behind our standard full table. We ask exhibitors to be considerate to anyone sharing their table or a neighbour for space.
3.6 Cancellation
Table cancellations will be given a full refund if they are made before the Tuesday 30th June. After this date, we will be unable to refund any table payments. Once your cancellation has been processed, organisers will aim to fill the empty space.
If you qualify for a refund but paid for your table in a different currency other than pounds sterling you will be refunded back at the current currency conversion rate. E.g. if you paid €52 for a £45 table you will be refunded £45 regardless of the current conversion rates.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact hello@pridecaf.co.uk
3.7 Waiting List
PrideCAF keeps a list of exhibitors who were unsuccessful. If you chose to be on the waiting list when you filled out the application, you will be added to it. This way, if another exhibitor cannot attend for any reason, the organisers will try to fill their spot with someone from the waiting list.
3.8 Additional exhibitor info
Exhibitors are allowed to use a trolley, suitcase or similar method to transport their stock and setup into and out of the festival. These items must then be placed out of the way so they do not cause a trip hazard.
Exhibitors are prohibited from attaching anything to walls or fixtures inside the venue. PrideCAF is unable to provide backboards but you may bring your own. We are unable to provide access to power supplies for electrical items (e.g laptops, phone chargers). We may be able to loan you a battery charger or plug something in for you but your power supply must be PAT tested.
Tables must be kept tidy and all paths, especially fire exits, must be kept clear. If we see
anything that could cause a health and safety risk, we may ask you to move them or remove them from the venue.
4. Volunteering
Volunteers are the backbone of any good event and will be respected as such. Volunteers agree to respect attendants, exhibitors, guests, organisers and venue staff. All volunteers will be issued a hi-vis vest to make it easier for Exhibitors and Attendees to identify them, this must be worn any time you are operating for the event. All volunteers should read through the values of our venue and ensure they adhere to them – https://artspace.uk/about/values/
Any volunteer found stealing, damaging stock or abusing their powers will be released from their duties, removed from the venue and reported to the authorities if necessary. They will also be denied entry from future events.
5. Venue
The organisers are in the final stages of agreeing to run PrideCAF 2026 in Sparks, Bristol (78 Broadmead, Bristol, BS1 3DS). It’s a converted branch of Marks & Spencers in the centre of Bristol. You can find out more about the accessibility of the building on the Sparks Bristol website.
To provide better access to guests and prevent injury and damage, large items such as cycles (including foldable ones), scooters, and e-scooters will not be allowed in the event space. You will be asked to leave these outside of the main halls at your own risk. The exception to these are mobility aids such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters, crutches etc. Exhibitors can use a trolley, suitcase or similar item to carry their items, please check in the exhibitor section for more information.
Dogs are allowed into the building and will be accepted into the festival as long as they are well behaved and can cope with the crowd. We also allow assistance animals, including emotional support animals.
While we take all efforts to look after everyone who comes to PrideCAF, neither us nor the venue are responsible for any personal belongings.
6. Photography and Video
If you wish to take any photos or videos of any tables or work on display you must ask
permission from the exhibitor first before proceeding. While taking photos and videos within the venue, please be mindful of other guests who may not want to be photographed. If you intend to use any of the photos you take for commercial use then you must provide a Property Release to the venue as laid out in section 2.14 of their Terms and Conditions.
PrideCAF will have a hired photographer on site taking footage of the day, they will be issued a hi-vis vest similar to volunteers to ensure they are recognisable. Most photos will be taken with permission from the person in the shot. If you believe you have been captured and wish your image not to be used you can contact the team at hello@pridecaf.co.uk.
7. Behaviour
PrideCAF is intended to be a friendly, safe, and inclusive event for everyone who attends. We operate a zero tolerance approach to any form of dangerous behaviour or harassment, discrimination, bullying, or abuse towards exhibitors, guests, volunteers, venue staff, or the attendants. This includes but is not limited to:
- Purposely invading or blocking access to other tables and exhibitors.
- ‘Hard selling’ or intimidating customers.
- Haggling or intimidating exhibitors.
- Harassing anyone at the festival.
- Damaging or stealing exhibitors stock or property.
- Gatekeeping – When someone takes it upon themselves to decide who does or does not have access or rights to a community or identity.
- Discriminating against someone’s race, religion, gender, sexuality, accessibility needs and/or age.
- · Someone who is clearly intoxicated or otherwise behaving in a way that could risk their own safety or the safety of others.
If you breach any of these rules you will be asked to leave the venue, if you are an exhibitor this will be without refund. In extreme situations we will inform the authorities of your actions.
If you feel unsafe or harassed in anyway by anyone at the venue, see anything during the event that looks to be a breach of the rules or against the law, please contact a member of the volunteering team or venue staff.
Everyone is allowed to wear what most feels comfortable to them. This includes a face mask if you are living with immune suppression for instance. As this is an event for all ages there is a strict restriction on extreme fetish gear and no complete nudity and/or genitals on display.
Cosplay is highly encouraged but no large props or realistic looking weapons this is for the safety of everyone attending the festival. Event staff reserve the right to refuse entry the prop is a potential obstruction or hazard. There are no changing rooms on site, while there are toilet facilities available, please be courteous of those who may need to use them.
Failure to comply with volunteer/organiser requests may result in ejection from the venue.
8. Accessibility
We aim to make PrideCAF as accessible as we can for everyone. If you have any access
concerns that are not answered here, please contact us at hello@pridecaf.co.uk and we will try our best to accommodate you.
For PrideCAF 2026, the venue has level access, access to a service lift to access the floors should the customer lift not be in operation. Our printed documentation will aim to be supplied in a font that aids anyone with dyslexia. There will be no playing music in the venue on the day, there will be access to masks and ear plugs should anyone need them.
We aim to set up exhibitors’ tables such that there is plenty of room for wheelchairs to navigate. We don’t have an official quiet time for the festival so we encourage anyone who requires a quieter space to aim for opening time or closer to closing time.
9. Event Cancellation
The organisers acknowledge the impact of COVID-19 and accept any obligation to comply with any official guidance that may be put in place in the future regarding any future pandemics. Hand sanitiser will be available throughout the venue with signs asking the public to make sure their hands are dry before touching any goods. The venue may require us to implement limitations and we expect the exhibitors and volunteers to comply with our request. This may include but are not limited to the following.
- impose maximum numbers at the event.
- impose maximum numbers for workshops and talks.
- impose specific requirements regarding personal protective equipment such as the wearing of masks.
- designate alternative entrance and exit routes.
In the case of the event being cancelled by the venue PrideCAF will look to reschedule and exhibitors given the option to keep their table for the rescheduled date or for a refund.